Direct Support Professional en Merakey

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 clients 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 various environments. Collaboration with families, healthcare providers, and other team members is essential to create and implement individualized support plans. Ultimately, the DSP contributes to fostering a respectful, empowering, and inclusive atmosphere that promotes dignity and self-determination for each individual served.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist clients with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, and mobility support.
• Implement individualized care plans and support clients in developing life skills, social interactions, and community participation.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, reporting concerns promptly to supervisors.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to promote client confidence and independence.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.

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, particularly with 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 and weekends.
• 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 enable the DSP to provide empathetic support tailored to each individual's unique needs. Organizational skills are used daily to accurately document client progress and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently. Preferred skills like CPR and First Aid certification enhance the DSP’s ability to respond promptly and appropriately in emergency situations. Additionally, experience and training in developmental disabilities support the delivery of specialized care and promote positive client outcomes.

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!