Direct Support Professional - Aliquippa, PA

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

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 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 client's unique needs. Ultimately, the DSP contributes to fostering an inclusive environment where clients feel valued, empowered, and supported in reaching their fullest potential.

• Provide direct care and assistance with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication reminders, and mobility support.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans in collaboration with clients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to promote independence and personal goals.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, ensuring timely communication with supervisors and healthcare professionals.
• Facilitate community engagement and social activities to encourage client participation and integration within the community.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment that respects client dignity and promotes their physical and emotional well-being.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass background checks and any required health screenings.
• Demonstrated compassion and patience in working with individuals with disabilities.
• Basic communication skills to effectively interact with clients and team members.
• Willingness to complete any required training or certification related to direct support services.

• Previous experience working as a Direct Support Professional or in a related caregiving role.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and best practices in support services.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

In daily work, the Direct Support Professional utilizes strong interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with clients, fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Effective communication skills are essential for understanding client needs, collaborating with team members, and documenting progress accurately. Problem-solving abilities help the DSP adapt to changing situations and address challenges proactively to ensure client safety and well-being. Compassion and patience are critical in providing respectful care tailored to each individual's unique circumstances. Additionally, organizational skills support the management of multiple responsibilities, including scheduling, reporting, and coordinating with healthcare providers.

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!