Direct Care Professional - Job Overview

Work That Fits Your Life. Impact That Lasts a Lifetime.

As a Direct Care Professional, you’ll support children and teens with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Flexible shifts, full training, and a role that matters.

See Direct Care Job Openings

Support. Empower. Repeat.

Our Direct Care Professionals are part coach, part caregiver, part champion. You’ll help kids build life skills, regulate emotions, and navigate their day—from morning routines to bedtime wind-downs. You’ll work with shared purpose alongside peers, therapists and educators.

You Might Thrive Here If...

You find purpose in helping others grow
You stay calm under pressure
You can follow routines but adapt when needed
You’re team-oriented and quick to communicate
You’re ready to learn and grow in a healthcare and education setting

This Might Not Be For You If...

You’re uncomfortable learning how to support behavior challenges from autistic individuals, especially male teens
You’re uncomfortable assisting with personal care tasks like toileting, bathing, or hygiene
You prefer a desk job or solo work
You’re easily frustrated by disruptions
You want a job with minimal physical activity

Table showing a sample weekend work schedule for a direct support professional at Heartspring

What a Weekend Shift Looks Like

Weekends bring a mix of structure and spontaneity. You’ll help with morning routines, meals, outings, small group activities, outdoor play, along with the occasional tough moment. It’s not always easy, but it’s meaningful work that makes a difference.

Table showing a sample weekday work schedule for a direct support professional at Heartspring

What a Weekday Shift Looks Like

On weekdays, most of the action happens before and after school. You’ll help students start their day with routines and encouragement, then support them after school with snacks, outings, dinner, and winding down for the night. There are moments of fun and connection—and some tough ones too—but your consistency and care help keep their days on track.

Career Paths - Direct Care Professional

Whether you’re building a long-term career in direct care and leadership or gaining experience toward becoming a clinician or special educator, Heartspring supports your growth with clear career paths and development opportunities.

Select a role

Career Path for Direct Care Professional to Residential Manager

Residential Managers lead and support a team of Home Supervisors to create a safe, structured, and enriching environment. You’re key to ensuring Heartspring delivers world-class residential care.

Step 1

Direct Care Professional

Lead by Example

DCP Requirements
DCP Core Curriculum
Heartspring Coach Badge

Step 2

Home Assistant Supervisor

Supervise & Support

DCP 4 Requirements
Heartspring Supervisor Training

Step 3

Home Supervisor

Manage Daily Operations

Home Assistant Supervisor Requirements
1+ year working with similar population in supervisory position

Step 4

Residential Manager

Oversee & Lead Teams

Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, behavioral science or related field preferred
Home Assistant Supervisor Requirements
5+ years working with similar population, 3+ as supervisory

Day-In-The-Life

Direct Care Professionals with Heartspring Students

Heartspring direct support professionals and students sitting and holding up "Go Hawks" and "We Heart Heartspring" signs at Special Olympics

Heartspring direct support professional and student smiling for the camera at a community outing at the Sedgwick County Zoo: Wild Lights

Heartspring direct support professionals and students stand outside of Exploration Place

Heartspring direct support professional and student squirting paint onto a canvas using an adaptive art tool during a Sunday Funday art activity

Heartspring direct support professional and student painting and sitting at a table during a Girls Group art activity

Heartspring direct support professional and student smiling for the camera at a skating rink

Heartspring direct support professional passes an adaptive art tool to a student during a Sunday Funday activity

Heartspring direct support professionals and students walking in a line and waving at the camera in front of INTRUST Bank Arena in downtown Wichita

Heartspring direct support professional and student holding hands while walking into an exhibit at the Sedgwick County Zoo

Heartspring direct support professional painting a student's fingernails during a Girls Group activity

Direct Care Job Openings

We offer a variety of shifts to fit your life and provide comprehensive, paid training. Whether you’re new to direct care or ready to grow your career, there’s a place for you here.

Residential Direct Care

Direct Care Professional - Sun - Wed

Job Summary

A Residential Group Home Direct Care Professional (DCP) works in the group home environment with students with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems. DCPs work directly with students, sometimes in a one-to-one capacity, in order to promote independence in the areas of communication, self-help, social skills, and functional living skills. The Weekday 2nd Shift Direct Care Professional works Sunday 7:45 am - 10:45 pm, Monday - Wednesday 3:15pm - 10:45 pm.

Job Description & Application

Salary

starting $16.02-20.65 depending on experience

Job Type

Full-time

Direct Care Professional Thur - Sat

Job Summary

A Residential Group Home Direct Care Professional (DCP) works in the group home environment with students with developmental disabilities and severe behavior problems. DCPs work directly with students, sometimes in a one-to-one capacity, in order to promote independence in the areas of communication, self-help, social skills, and functional living skills. The Direct Care Professional Weekend shift works Thursday 3:15 - 10:45pm, Friday 3:00 pm - 10:45 pm, and Saturday 7:45 am - 10:45 pm.