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 focuses on assisting individuals in achieving greater independence, community integration, and personal growth through tailored care and encouragement. The DSP will work closely with clients to support their daily living activities, promote skill development, and ensure their health and safety in a respectful and dignified manner. Collaboration with families, healthcare providers, and other team members is essential to create and implement individualized support plans that meet each person's unique needs. Ultimately, the DSP contributes to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive and participate fully in their communities.

Job Responsibilities Assist individuals with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and mobility support. Implement individualized care plans and support goals designed to promote independence and community involvement. Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, communicating effectively with supervisors and healthcare professionals. Provide emotional support and encouragement to build confidence and social skills. Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment that respects the dignity and rights of each individual. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to pass background checks and any required health screenings. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated compassion and patience in working with individuals with disabilities. Basic understanding of safety and emergency procedures. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in a caregiving or support role for individuals with disabilities. Certification in CPR and First Aid. Training or coursework related to developmental disabilities or behavioral support. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Skills

The required skills such as strong communication and interpersonal abilities are essential for building trusting relationships with clients and collaborating effectively with team members. Compassion and patience enable the DSP to provide empathetic and respectful care tailored to each individual's needs. Preferred skills like CPR and First Aid certification ensure the DSP can respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, enhancing client safety. Experience and training in developmental disabilities support the implementation of effective care strategies and behavioral interventions. Together, these skills empower the DSP to create a positive, supportive environment that promotes client independence and well-being on a daily basis.

 

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!