Back to jobs
Center for Developmentally Disabled

Doorways ~ Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP/Caregiver)

Kansas City, MOPosted 5 days ago
onsite

Job Description

Job Id:  282 # of Openings:  5
Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) – Kansas City, MO
Starting at $19.50/hr • $20/hr after 90 days + Differential Pay + Weekend Differential Pay

If you find purpose in caring for others, enjoy supporting a team, and want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities, this opportunity is for you. Join CDD, a Kansas City nonprofit with over five decades of service, as a Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) — helping ensure quality care, supporting your DSP teammates, and empowering the individuals we serve to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.
 
Why You'll Love Working at CDD
  • Purpose-Driven Work: Make a meaningful impact every day by helping individuals with developmental disabilities live with dignity, independence, and opportunity.
  • Meaningful Connections: Build trusted relationships while supporting daily living, life skills, and community involvement.
  • Supportive Team Environment: Be part of a collaborative, mission-focused team that values compassion, communication, and teamwork.
  • Growth & Advancement: Enjoy paid training, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities to grow into Lead DSP, Residential Specialist, or Program Specialist roles.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, PTO, and a 401(k) with 6% match 
  • A Mission You’ll Believe In: Every shift contributes to a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where individuals can thrive.
 
What You’ll Do
As a Lead DSP, you will support both individuals and staff by ensuring consistency, quality, and person-centered care within each home:
  • Provide daily support to individuals with developmental disabilities, including personal care, ADLs, behavioral supports, and companionship.
  • Lead, mentor, and communicate with DSPs to maintain routine, consistency, and quality care across all shifts.
  • Complete required documentation according to the Person-Centered Plan (PCP), T-Logs, communication logs, monthly reviews, and annual packet documentation.
  • Monitor implementation of PCP goals, ensuring progress, accuracy, and timely follow-through.
  • Transport individuals to community outings, activities, and appointments.
  • Assist with household tasks when individuals are unable or refuse to complete them.
  • Conduct regular home checks for safety, cleanliness, and maintenance needs; report concerns promptly.
  • Attend and participate in staff meetings, team trainings, Individual Rights meetings, and annual PCP meetings.
  • Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, behavioral guidance, and positive redirection as needed.
  • Submit Event Reports and ensure accurate follow-up documentation.
  • Support a cheerful, positive environment — maintaining professionalism, patience, and a “sunny disposition” essential to individual well-being.
 
What You Bring
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Valid Class E (MO) or Class C (KS) driver’s license with proof of insurance.
  • Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and assist individuals with personal care and mobility.
  • Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
  • Dependable, compassionate, team-oriented, and committed to high-quality care.
  • Must pass background checks, FCSR registration, and required screenings.
 
The Role at a Glance
  • Pay: $19.50/hr to start | $20/hr after 90 days
  • Incentives: Differential pay for high-medical homes, behavioral homes, and weekend shifts
  • Schedule: Full-time with day, evening, and weekend needs depending on assigned home
  • Training: Paid onboarding + continued professional development
  • Work Setting: Residential homes across the Kansas City, MO metro area
  • Reports To: Program Specialist
 
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re passionate about helping others reach their potential, we’d love to meet you. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.
 
About CDD
For over five decades, Center for Developmentally Disabled has helped individuals with developmental disabilities live, work, and thrive independently in their communities. Our mission is to promote dignity, opportunity, and inclusion — and we’re looking for compassionate professionals like you to help us continue that work.
 
 Apply today at www.CDDKC.org/Careers and start changing lives tomorrow!

Apply for this Position
Doorways ~ Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP/Caregiver) at Center for Developmentally Disabled | Renata