Direct Support Professional at Merakey Education Autism Services

Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

29 Oct, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Communication, Empathy, Patience, Organizational Skills, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Teamwork

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

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 focuses on assisting individuals in achieving their personal goals, promoting independence, and fostering community integration. The DSP will work closely with clients to support daily living activities, including personal care, medication management, and social engagement. By building trusting relationships, the DSP helps empower individuals to make choices and participate actively in their own lives. Ultimately, this role contributes to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that respects the dignity and individuality of each person served. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES * Provide direct care and support to individuals in accordance with their individualized service plans. * Assist with activities of daily living such as hygiene, meal preparation, and mobility. * Administer medications and monitor health status as directed by healthcare professionals. * Facilitate social, recreational, and community activities to promote engagement and skill development. * Document observations, progress, and any incidents accurately and timely in compliance with organizational policies. * Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, families, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive care. * Maintain a safe and clean environment that supports the well-being of individuals served. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * High school diploma or equivalent. * Ability to pass background checks and any required health screenings. * Basic understanding of personal care and support needs. * Strong communication and interpersonal skills. * Willingness to complete any required training or certification related to direct support services. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities or in a caregiving role. * Certification as a Direct Support Professional or related credential. * CPR and First Aid certification. * Knowledge of community resources and support services. * Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. SKILLS In daily work, the Direct Support Professional utilizes strong communication skills to effectively interact with individuals, families, and team members, ensuring clear understanding and collaboration. Empathy and patience are essential to provide compassionate care tailored to each individual's unique needs and preferences. Organizational skills are applied to manage documentation, medication administration, and scheduling of activities accurately and efficiently. Problem-solving abilities help the DSP respond appropriately to unexpected situations or behavioral challenges while maintaining safety. Additionally, adaptability and teamwork are critical as the DSP navigates varying environments and works alongside diverse professionals to deliver holistic support. Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits [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. [https://youtu.be/MD3KtxmS7qo] 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

Responsibilities

The Direct Support Professional provides direct care and support to individuals with disabilities, assisting them with daily living activities and promoting their independence. This role also involves documenting progress and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.