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Residential Direct Support Professional Jobs in Kansas

SLI

Direct Support Professional

Topeka, KS · On-site

$14 - $22/hr

Direct Support Professional Jump into a meaningful, people-first role as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), where you'll help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live more ...

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Residential Direct Support Professional information

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How much do residential direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for residential direct support professional in Kansas is $15.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $16.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a residential direct support professional?

Residential Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who provide care, support, and supervision to people with disabilities in residential settings. They assist clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. DSPs also help foster independence, encourage social participation, and ensure the safety and well-being of those they support. Their role is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

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

To thrive as a Residential Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, medication administration, and CPR/First Aid certification are commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and reliability help build trusting relationships and respond effectively to clients' needs. These skills ensure safety, promote independence, and enhance the quality of life for the individuals being supported.

What are some common challenges faced by residential direct support professionals, and how can they be managed?

Residential Direct Support Professionals often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral issues, balancing the needs of multiple clients, and maintaining clear communication with team members and families. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to utilize de-escalation techniques, stay organized with thorough documentation, and participate in regular team meetings to ensure everyone is aligned on care plans. Continuous training and support from supervisors also play a key role in helping staff feel confident and prepared in their responsibilities.

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

AspectResidential Direct Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized certificationsCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentResidential facilities, group homes, community settingsPrivate homes, healthcare facilities, community settings
Job DutiesAssist individuals with daily living, medication management, skill developmentAssist with personal hygiene, mobility, daily tasks
Employer & IndustryHealthcare providers, social service agenciesHome healthcare agencies, private families

Both roles involve supporting individuals with daily needs, but Residential Direct Support Professionals typically work in group homes or community settings with a focus on skill development and medication management, while Personal Care Assistants often work in private homes assisting with personal hygiene and daily tasks. Certifications like CPR and First Aid are common for both roles.

Is being a residential direct support professional a stressful job?

Being a residential direct support professional can be stressful due to the need to manage challenging behaviors, ensure safety, and provide emotional support to residents with disabilities. The job often requires strong communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle unpredictable situations, which can contribute to stress levels. However, some find the role rewarding and manageable with proper training and support.

Is being a residential direct support professional worth it?

A residential direct support professional provides assistance to individuals with disabilities in a residential setting, often requiring patience, communication skills, and certification. The role offers job stability, opportunities for personal fulfillment, and the chance to develop valuable skills, though it may involve physically and emotionally demanding work shifts. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in helping others and working in human services.

Where do residential direct support professionals get paid the most?

Residential direct support professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as urban areas or states with higher minimum wages. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific employer or facility.

What are popular job titles related to Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas?

For Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Residential Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Residential Direct Support Professional job openings:

Residential Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Residential Direct Support Professional job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,533 per year, or $15.2 per hour.

Residential Direct Support Professional

Lenexa, KS • On-site

Johnson County Kansas
1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Johnson County Kansasexternal

$15.75 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 20 hours ago

Job description

A career with Johnson County Government is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization. We offer wonderful benefits, retirement plans, wellness incentives, a great organizational culture, and much more! If you’re searching for something more than just a job, something akin to a calling, then consider the challenge and opportunity of being a member of Johnson County Government!


Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Direct Support Professional for their residential services division.  JCDS serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  We focus on individuals’ abilities, provide choice driven supports, and advocate alongside people to live and work in our community.  We aspire to build a community that promotes, supports, and embraces people of all abilities.  Direct Support Professionals are responsible for the delivery of services with JCDS. Initial review of candidates will begin August 20, 2026. Periodic review of candidates will occur until September 31, 2026.

  • Provides, assists with, or coaches individuals on personal care needs with limited supervision; provides crisis interventions, including physical intervention and restraint to ensure the safety of individuals; monitors and/or administers medication as prescribed; monitors and documents mental and physical condition of individuals.
  • Teaches, coaches and provides guidance and support on various skills to enable productive lives of individuals; assists individual and family members to identify strategies or treatment options and participates in the development and modification of plans to regain ability to make independent choices and promote coping skills; develops and maintains a positive and effective relationship with service recipients, families, and other service providers, serving as the main point of contact.
  • Organizes and participates in meetings related to care coordination; completes documentation for direct services provided to ensure timely and accurate completion.
  • Transports individuals receiving services to appointments, activities, and/or work.

Check out our job preview video here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBWBUJjLzUNei78G78suz0fsjcwPtpeoT 


Minimum Job Requirements:

  • High School diploma or equivalent and one year of experience working in a human services field are required. May require KS/MO driver’s license, depending on department or agency.

Johnson County Government requires reference/background screening for all positions.  Specified criteria may vary by Department/Agency.

 

Preferred Job Requirements:

  • No preferred job requirements.

 

Education/Experience Substitutions:

  • Education may be substituted for experience.

 

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

  • Lifting: requirement varies by assignment.
  • Exposure to hazardous materials (bodily fluids).
  • All County employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.

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