Job Description

Lead Direct Support Professional (Lead DSP) / Behavioral Support – Redding, CA

Pay: $22.00/hour | $24.00/hour upon RBT Certification

Are you an experienced Direct Support Professional, Caregiver, or Behavioral Health Technician ready to take the next step into a Lead DSP role? Join Merakey, where we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centered care to individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs.

We are actively hiring Lead Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for our programs in Redding, CA. This role is ideal for candidates with direct care experience and an interest in leadership, behavioral services, and professional growth.

The Lead DSP provides hands-on direct care and behavioral support while serving as a role model for team members. You will support individuals across residential and community settings, promoting health, safety, independence, and dignity through skill-building and person-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and supervision to individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring behavioral health needs
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) including personal care, hygiene, and meal preparation
• Implement behavioral support plans and reinforce positive interventions
• Support development of communication, social, and life skills
• Ensure compliance with individualized service plans (ISPs) and California regulatory standards
• Act as a lead staff member, modeling best practices and supporting team consistency

Compensation & Career Growth

• Starting pay: $22.00/hour
• Increase to $24.00/hour upon obtaining Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification
• Paid training, supervision, and resources provided to support RBT certification and DSP career advancement

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Possess a verifiable High School Diploma or GED
• Hold a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Minimum of 6 months of experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities, including behavioral services/support experience
• Ability to meet all California background check and hiring requirements

Certification Requirements (Within 12 Months of Hire):

• DSP-I and DSP-II Certifications (California Direct Support Professional Training Program)
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification

Merakey provides paid training, supervision, and support to help you successfully obtain these certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting individuals with dual diagnosis (developmental disabilities and mental health disorders)
• Background as a DSP, Caregiver, Behavioral Technician, CNA, or Home Health Aide
• Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills

Apply today to grow your career as a Lead DSP in Redding, CA and make a meaningful impact every day.

Benefits

Merakey offers benefits tailored to support your unique work arrangements.

• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• Voluntary limited benefits offered through the American Worker. Offerings include limited* medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance. (*not a substitute for major medical insurance)
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Enjoy our On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

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 must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a verifiable High School Diploma/G.E.D.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Must have at least 6 months of experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities, with a focus on behavioral services

Certification Requirements:

Merakey will provide access to the necessary training and support to help employees meet these requirements. These must be completed within 1 year of hire:

• DSP 1 and DSP 2 Certification – Required within 12 months of hire.
• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification – Required within 12 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dual Diagnose experience is a PLUS!