Direct Support Professional

Behavioral Health Allies•Kansas City, KS

4h•$18•Onsite

About The Position

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is the primary frontline caregiver and implementer of services within Community Living homes. DSPs work directly with individuals served to implement their Individual Support Plans (ISP) and Behavior Support Plans (BSP) and are responsible for ensuring continuous supervision, meaningful engagement, safety, and consistency of care throughout their assigned shifts. DSPs are accountable for the daily condition of the home, the quality of interactions with individuals served, and the faithful execution of all assigned supports. This role requires active participation, attentiveness, and follow-through at all times. This is a safety-sensitive position. DSPs must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained. DSPs implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required
Ability to follow written plans and verbal direction accurately and consistently
Strong supervision, engagement, and observation skills
Working knowledge of Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) and Individual Support Plans (ISPs)
Ability to implement BSPs and ISPs with fidelity
Basic documentation and technology skills
Ability to maintain emotional regulation and professionalism
Dependability, accountability, and teamwork
Willingness to learn, accept coaching, and improve performance
Ability to identify issues and escalate concerns appropriately
Effective verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrated reliability, accountability, and professionalism
High accountability and follow-through
Knowledge of crisis management, safety, and compliance standards
Must maintain sufficient physical stamina, balance, coordination, and emotional regulation to actively lead within residential homes throughout the duration of a shift.
Must be able to implement and sustain trained crisis intervention and de-escalation procedures (PCM) safely and effectively.
Must demonstrate the ability to remain calm, alert, and physically capable during high-stress or physically demanding situations involving individuals with challenging behaviors.
Must possess the fine motor, gross motor, and sensory abilities necessary to assist with daily living supports, operate household and documentation systems, and respond to emergencies safely and effectively.
Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle and transport individuals served in accordance with program requirements and applicable laws.
Must be able to safely administer medications as trained and authorized, in accordance with BHA policies and regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in direct support, residential services, or behavioral health preferred but not required
Willingness to work with individuals with complex behavioral, developmental, or medical needs

Responsibilities

Treats all individuals with dignity, respect, and compassion
Uses person-centered and trauma-informed language at all times
Protects the physical and emotional safety of individuals served
Immediately addresses behaviors or conditions that compromise dignity or safety
Implements ISP and BSP interventions exactly as written
Implements behavior support and skill-building interventions using ABA principles and evidence-based practices
Maintains fidelity to clinical programming and seeks clarification when plans are unclear or barriers arise
Provides continuous supervision based on individual needs
Supports choice, autonomy, and self-determination within plan guidelines
Communicates observations, concerns, and changes to the appropriate party
Actively engages individuals in daily routines, relationships, and activities
Supports participation in community outings, recreation, and appointments
Models positive social interaction and inclusion
Builds trust and rapport with individuals served
Assists individuals with activities of daily living, including toileting, hygiene, meals, mobility, and medication administration as trained
Supports physical, emotional, behavioral, and social needs
Observes changes in health or behavior and reports promptly
Follows all health, safety, and medication protocols
Transports individuals served to appointments, outings, and community activities as required.
Administers medications and completes MAR documentation in accordance with training, physician orders, and BHA policy
Encourages independence and skill development during daily routines
Uses everyday activities as opportunities for learning and growth
Reinforces progress and positive behavior
Maintains structured, predictable routines
Completes all required documentation accurately and on time (shift reviews, logs, MARs, incident reports)
Follows all BHA policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Maintains confidentiality and professionalism
Accepts responsibility for assigned duties and outcomes
Works cooperatively with other DSPs, Shift Supervisors, Clinical team members, Program Managers, and external stakeholders
Accepts direction, feedback, and coaching
Communicates clearly regarding shift issues, client needs, or concerns
Assists with delegated tasks as assigned
Works closely with Behavioral Clinicians (BCBAs/Behavior Specialists) to implement BSPs, skill-acquisition programs, and environmental strategies
Participates in coaching, modeling, and feedback to improve ABA implementation and outcomes
Maintains continuous supervision and engagement of individuals served
Follows daily schedules, routines, and expectations consistently
Responds calmly and appropriately during crisis situations using PCM techniques
Supports a stable, safe, and predictable home environment
Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary home environment throughout the shift
Ensure individuals have required meals, supplies, and personal items
Complete assigned cleaning, household, and safety tasks
Actively engage individuals; passive supervision is not acceptable
Implement ISP/BSP supports consistently across the shift
Complete all required documentation before the end of the shift
Ensure individuals’ daily care needs are met, including completion of personal hygiene routines, support with dressing and grooming as needed, and preparation and provision of healthy, well-balanced meals in accordance with individual care plans, dietary guidelines, and household routines.
Ensure the incoming shift is informed of the activities/needs of the individuals served before leaving their shift
Implements reinforcement strategies, prompting procedures, and behavior-reduction strategies as outlined in BSPs and clinical programming
Collects required behavioral and skill-acquisition data accurately and in real time, per clinical direction