Job Description

About the Role

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities by providing compassionate and personalized support. This position involves assisting clients in achieving their personal goals, promoting independence, and ensuring their health and safety in a respectful and dignified manner. The DSP will work closely with clients to support daily living activities, facilitate community integration, and encourage social and recreational participation. This role requires a commitment to fostering a positive and empowering environment that respects each individual's unique needs and preferences. Ultimately, the DSP contributes to building meaningful relationships and helping clients lead fulfilling and enriched lives.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist clients with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
• Support clients in developing and achieving personal goals related to education, employment, and social skills.
• Ensure a safe and clean living environment by performing light housekeeping and reporting any safety concerns.
• Facilitate community involvement by accompanying clients to appointments, social events, and recreational activities.
• Document client progress and communicate effectively with team members, families, and healthcare professionals.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screenings as required by state regulations.
• Basic understanding of developmental disabilities and a compassionate approach to care.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform physical tasks related to client care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a Direct Support Professional or in a related caregiving role.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Training in behavior management techniques.
• Familiarity with person-centered planning and support strategies.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Skills

The required skills such as effective communication and interpersonal abilities are essential for building trust and rapport with clients and their families. Compassion and patience are used daily to provide respectful and individualized support tailored to each client’s needs. Physical stamina and attention to safety ensure that clients receive proper assistance with mobility and daily tasks in a secure environment. Preferred skills like CPR and First Aid certification enhance the ability to respond promptly to emergencies, ensuring client well-being. Additionally, knowledge of behavior management and person-centered approaches allows the DSP to support clients in achieving greater independence and personal growth.

Benefits

Merakey offers generous benefits that promote well-being, financial security, and work-life balance, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

About Merakey

Merakey is a non-profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Related experience is helpful.
• Driver's license required for community based homes.
• A verifiable high school diploma or GED is preferred