ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Direct Support Professional Jobs in Manhattan, KS

Sevita Health

Caregiver

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita Health

Caregiver

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$12 - $15.25/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Sevita

Caregiver

Manhattan, KS · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

CS NJ Addendum - Direct Support Professional _1001 _ MPA 3429 * * Employees must cooperate with the licensee and Department of Human Services staff in any inspection, inquiry, or investigation.

Geary County

Clerical Support

Junction City, KS · On-site

$16.34/hr

Answer and direct incoming phone calls with professionalism and courtesy. * Maintain and organize physical and digital filing systems for easy access and accuracy. * Provide general administrative ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirect Support Professional JobsDirect Support Professional Jobs in Manhattan, KS

Direct Support Professional information

See Manhattan, KS salary details

$8

$14

$18

How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Manhattan, KS is $14.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $15.53 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 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.

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.

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 areas 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.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs

What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Manhattan, KS look for?

The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Manhattan, KS are:

What cities near Manhattan, KS are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities near Manhattan, KS with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:

Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Manhattan, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,990 per year, or $14.4 per hour.

LCSW New Parent Support Professional (on-site/license can be from any US State)

Magellan Health Services

Junction City, KS

$58K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Provide support to all eligible Families with expectant parents and parents of children from birth to 3 years of age. This program seeks to support young military Families which directly contribute to military mission readiness, support Family members' adaptation to military life, enhance the knowledge and skills for healthy relationships that can provide safe, nurturing environments for children to prevent family violence. Provide activities and services including information and referrals, parenting programs, respite care for children, and supervised play time for children. Families with children prenatal to 3 years old who have been assessed as being at risk for child maltreatment and/or Family violence can benefit from additional, more-intensive support from these services.
  • Provides effective, timely and confidential services for Families who have been assessed as being at risk for child maltreatment and/or Family violence.
  • Protects the privacy and confidentiality of client information.
  • Identifies and reports suspected child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse.
  • Assesses developmental milestones and referral procedures for indicators of special needs or developmental delays.
  • Assesses and strengthening adaptation to parenthood.
  • Assesses and strengthening parental capacity for problem-solving, building and sustaining trusting relationships, and seeking help when necessary.
  • Promotes developmentally appropriate parenting skills and disciplinary techniques, and parent and child communication skills.
  • Facilitates informal and formal community networks to build positive relationships and reduce social isolation.
  • Develops relationships with local community and military installation officials and organizations that can maximize program effectiveness.
  • Utilizes community-based services and formal and informal community networks to provide concrete support for families who may be in crisis.
  • Utilizes methods for screening for, assessing, and addressing protective and risk factors associated with child abuse and neglect using a strengths-based Family centered developmental approach.
  • Keeps tracking system up to date with case status.
  • Participates in monthly conference calls and annual training events.
The job duties listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of what may be expected of an employee assigned to this job. A leader may assign additional or other duties which would align with the intent of this job, without revision to the job description.

Other Job Requirements

Responsibilities

Qualified candidates must have at least two (2) years of direct work experience in child abuse or domestic abuse, or maternal or child health or medical social work.
Must hold a current and active license as an LCSW, LMFT or RN.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers must possess a current, valid, unrestricted clinical license and a master's degree in Social Work to practice social work independently.
Registered Nurses must have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing, a current unrestricted license in one of the States or U.S. territories, and at least two (2) years of direct work experience with child abuse or domestic abuse, maternal or child health, public/community health, or mental health.
Must have home visitation experience.
Must have a valid driver's license, auto insurance and ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Must have working knowledge of basic computer skills and be able to use Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Excel programs.
Must be able to operate general office equipment including but not limited to: computer, phones and related media and information devices on most or all workdays.
Ability to communicate and interact with others, both in person and/or by telephone to conduct business.
Working under time pressure.
Working rapidly for long periods to meet deadlines.
Must be able to travel as needed and adhere to AFSC travel policies and procedures.
Must be able to enter private homes that may or may not provide easy access for those with physical disabilities or those recovering from physical rehabilitation or post-recovery mobility.
Position requires ability to transport self from office locations to private homes, other offices and facilities where training and other program activities occur.

General Job Information

Title

LCSW New Parent Support Professional (on-site/license can be from any US State)

Grade

24

Work Experience - Required

Child Welfare

Work Experience - Preferred

Education - Required

Bachelor's - Nursing, Master's - Counseling, Master's - Social Work

Education - Preferred

License and Certifications - Required

LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Care MgmtCare Mgmt, LMFT - Licensed Marital and Family Therapist - Care MgmtCare Mgmt, RN - Registered Nurse, State and/or Compact State Licensure - Care MgmtCare Mgmt

License and Certifications - Preferred

Salary Range

Salary Minimum:

$58,440

Salary Maximum:

$93,500

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

This position may be eligible for short-term incentives as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Magellan offers a broad range of health, life, voluntary and other benefits and perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.

Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.

Apply