Direct Support Professional

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 with daily living activities, promoting independence, and fostering community integration. The DSP works closely with clients to understand their unique needs, preferences, and goals, ensuring that care plans are effectively implemented. Through consistent support and encouragement, the DSP helps clients develop skills, build confidence, and achieve greater autonomy. Ultimately, this role contributes to creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment where clients can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist clients with personal care tasks such as hygiene, dressing, and meal preparation.
• Support clients in participating in community activities, appointments, and social events.
• Implement individualized care plans and document progress accurately and timely.
• Monitor clients' health and well-being, reporting any changes or concerns to supervisors.
• Promote positive behavior and provide guidance to help clients develop life skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screenings as required.
• Basic understanding of personal care and support techniques.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities or in a caregiving role.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Training in behavior management or related fields.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services.

Skills

The skills required for this role are applied daily to provide effective and empathetic support to clients. Communication skills enable the DSP to understand client needs and collaborate with families and healthcare professionals. Personal care skills ensure that clients receive respectful and competent assistance with daily activities. Problem-solving and adaptability are essential when responding to unexpected situations or changes in client conditions. Preferred skills such as CPR certification and experience with behavior management enhance the DSP’s ability to maintain client safety and promote positive outcomes.

Benefits

Merakey offers competitive compensation plans and more!

• DailyPay
• Work/Life Balance
• Flexible Schedules
• Cell Phone Discount Plans
• Employee Referral Bonuses

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!

Position Requirements:

• A verifiable high school diploma or GED is required.
• A current and valid driver's license is required
• Age 18 or older

Related experience is helpful.