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JOB DETAILS

Direct Support Professional I

CompanyHeartspring Inc
LocationWichita
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 12, 2026
About The Company
As the 30th largest employer in Wichita, KS, serving children throughout the region and country, Heartspring makes life-changing differences for children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Utilizing a unique, interdisciplinary, strengths-based approach, we assist families in discovering what their child excels at to address the challenges they need help with. We’re committed to turning possibilities into realities for every child who walks through our doors. Through our Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Therapeutic Residential and Day School, and Community Engagement programs, we provide comprehensive support for children with neurodevelopmental delays and disorders — including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, intellectual and learning challenges, communication challenges, motor development issues, ADHD, and more. Originally known as the Institute of Logopedics, we’ve pioneered pediatric therapies and special education throughout our 90-year history in the heart of the United States. Our founder, Dr. Martin Palmer, completely changed how children with neurodevelopmental disorders receive healthcare and education. We continue to honor his legacy of innovation and dedication to the children and families we serve within the halls of our campus and beyond.
About the Role

Description

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and young adults? Heartspring is seeking compassionate, dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to provide care, support, and skill development for students with developmental, intellectual, and behavioral disabilities in a residential group home setting. This is a full-time second shift evening position.

  • Location: Wichita, KS
  • Hours: Sunday: 7:45AM-10:45PM, Monday-Wednesday: 3:15pm-10:45pm
  • Schedule: Full-Time 2nd Shift Evenings
  • Requirements:  High school diploma or equivalent.  
  • Pre-Employment Requirements: All candidates must successfully complete an extensive pre-employment screening process, including fingerprinting, state and federal background checks, a drug screen, physical examination, and reference verification before beginning employment. 

The Position

Direct Care & Student Support

  • Provide a safe, clean, structured, and nurturing residential environment for children and young adults. 
  • Support students in developing communication, self-help, social, and independent living skills. 
  • Work one-on-one and in small groups to help students achieve individualized goals. 
  • Provide encouragement through positive reinforcement and meaningful interactions. 

Residential Care & Daily Living

  • Assist students with daily routines, personal care, meal preparation, dining, and household activities as needed. 
  • Prepare and serve meals while following dietary restrictions and individualized programming. 
  • Maintain student belongings and ensure living areas remain clean, organized, and welcoming. 

Behavioral Support

  • Implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Student Support Plans (SSPs), and individualized therapeutic programming. 
  • Utilize Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques when necessary to safely respond to behavioral challenges. 
  • Support students using trauma-informed, person-centered, and positive behavior support practices. 

Documentation & Communication

  • Complete accurate documentation regarding student progress, behaviors, and daily activities. 
  • Report health concerns, incidents, and unusual events according to Heartspring policies and regulatory requirements. 
  • Communicate effectively with families, supervisors, teachers, therapists, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members. 

Community & Team Engagement

  • Escort students to community outings, healthcare appointments, recreational activities, and special events. 
  • Assist in emergency procedures when necessary. 
  • Welcome and mentor new Direct Support Professionals. 
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support the success of students and the residential program.

Requirements

 

Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma or equivalent required. 
  • Experience in direct support, caregiving, residential care, youth services, behavioral health, education, healthcare, mental health, social services, or human services is preferred but not required. 
  • Must successfully complete Heartspring orientation and required training, including Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI). 

Pre-Employment Requirements

To ensure the safety of the children and families we serve, all candidates must successfully complete an extensive pre-employment screening process, including fingerprinting, state and federal background checks, a drug screen, physical examination, and reference verification before beginning employment.

Knowledge & Skills

We're looking for someone who demonstrates:

  • Compassion, patience, and a desire to help others succeed. 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
  • Dependability and professionalism. 
  • Ability to remain calm during challenging situations. 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. 
  • Basic computer and documentation skills. 
  • Commitment to providing safe, person-centered care. 

The Benefits

  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Generous paid time off
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities
  • Career growth and advancement pathways

Physical Requirements

  • Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and assisting students with daily activities. 
  • Ability to lift, transfer, and assist students as needed. 
  • Ability to safely perform approved crisis intervention techniques. 
  • Ability to respond quickly during emergencies. 
  • Occasional exposure to bodily fluids and other situations common in healthcare and residential settings while following established safety procedures.

If you're looking for a meaningful full-time career in caregiving, human services, behavioral health, residential care, or youth services, we'd love to meet you. Apply today to become a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Heartspring!

Direct Support Professional, DSP, Residential Youth Support, Residential Counselor, Residential Support Specialist, Youth Care Worker, Youth Mentor, Caregiver, Behavioral Health Technician, Mental Health Technician, Human Services, Social Services, Residential Care, Group Home, Developmental Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, Special Needs, Behavioral Health, Behavioral Support, Patient Care Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA, Home Health Aide, HHA, Youth Services, Mental Health, Independent Living Skills, Full-Time, Second Shift, Evening Shift, Caregiver Jobs, Healthcare, Education, Direct Care, Crisis Intervention, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, Residential Treatment, Child Care Worker, Youth Development, Therapeutic Support, Community Support, Disability Services  

Key Skills
Direct supportCaregivingBehavioral supportResidential careCommunicationInterpersonal skillsPositive reinforcementCrisis interventionDocumentationMeal preparationTrauma-informed carePerson-centered carePatienceTeamworkProblem solvingSafety procedures
Categories
Social ServicesHealthcareEducation
Benefits
Competitive compensationComprehensive benefits packageGenerous paid time offContinuing educationProfessional development opportunitiesCareer growth and advancement pathways
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
Provide direct care, support, and skill development for students with developmental and behavioral disabilities in a residential setting. Assist with daily routines, implement individualized education programs, and maintain a safe, nurturing environment.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$16 - $21
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
275
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
36 hours
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