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Direct Support Professional Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Gardner Direct Support Professionals, DSP's, Caregivers are all terms that can be used synonymously. These are the talented individuals that we are always keeping an eye out for, who take the best ...

Direct Support Professional

Liberal, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Direct Support Professional, DSP Caregiver Full-time, Night Shift THRIVE AS A CAREGIVER AT SEVITA. EACH DAY, YOU'LL * Be proud of rewarding work helping people grow, learn, and live well * Develop ...

We're looking for Direct Support Professionals to join our team! As a DSP, you will provide support and guidance to people served as they learn and develop important daily living skills and life ...

Direct Support Professional

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Winfield, KS · On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Winfield, KS · On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Newton, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Liberal, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

We're looking for Direct Support Professionals to join our team! As a DSP, you will provide support and guidance to people served as they learn and develop important daily living skills and life ...

Direct Support Professional

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Liberal, KS · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Salina, KS · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Newton, KS · On-site

$13.25 - $16/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Winfield, KS · On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Support participants with developmental goals like budgeting, exercise, and nutrition You'll assist ... Six months of experience in human services, direct care, or care coordination preferred * Skills:

Direct Support Professional

Wichita, KS · On-site

$12.59 - $17.63/hr

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is much more than a caregiver. You will work to help people realize their full potential as they integrate and engage in fun, rehabilitative, and/or vocational ...

We're looking for Direct Support Professionals to join our team! As a DSP, you will provide support and guidance to people served as they learn and develop important daily living skills and life ...

Showing results 21-40

Direct Support Professional information

See Kansas salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Kansas is $14.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $15.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,208 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

DSP / Direct Support Professional

Ablelight

Gardner, KS • On-site

$17.50 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


AbleLight rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Schedule Available: Sunday 9am-9pm, Wednesday/Thursday 2pm-10pm, Friday 3pm-11pm
Location Hiring: Gardner
Direct Support Professionals, DSP's, Caregivers are all terms that can be used synonymously. These are the talented individuals that we are always keeping an eye out for, who take the best care of the people we support, who happen to be individuals with developmental disabilities.
Direct Support Professionals empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most independent lives possible by:
  • Helping residents with dining, mobility, health, and hygiene activities
  • Accompanying individuals while running errands
  • Attending special community occasions and fun activities like outdoor walks, games, and social events
  • Assisting our individuals in achieving their personal goals and desires

Minimum Requirements:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must possess an active driver's license that is in good standing with a good driving record.
  • Willing and able to pass a background check.
  • Willing to complete an Adult CPR and First Aid course (if you have this already, even better).
  • Embody patience, kindness, and possess a servant's heart and hands.
  • Be able to lift, push, and pull at least 50 pounds.

The Benefits of Working at AbleLight for those scheduled 30+ hours per week:
  • Medical (with access to Teledoc), dental and vision benefits starting the first of the month, following 30 days of employment.
  • 403(b) Retirement savings plan with up to 3.5% employer matching.
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • No cap on employee referral bonuses.

Any-Day-Pay via "DayForce Wallet" which allows you to access your pay as soon as you've earned it at zero cost to you!

What AbleLight employees say

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