direct support professional - Coraopolis, PA

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Related experience is helpful.

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 encouraging community integration. The DSP works closely with clients to understand their unique needs and preferences, ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being at all times. By fostering a supportive and respectful environment, the DSP helps clients achieve their personal goals and improve their social, emotional, and physical health. Ultimately, this role is essential in empowering individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives within their communities.

• Assist clients with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and mobility support.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to promote client independence and self-confidence.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being accurately and timely.
• Facilitate community involvement by supporting clients in attending appointments, social events, and recreational activities.
• Ensure a safe and clean living environment by adhering to health and safety protocols and reporting any concerns promptly.
• Communicate effectively with team members and participate in ongoing training and development opportunities.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass background checks and any required health screenings.
• Basic understanding of caregiving principles and client confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Physical ability to assist clients with mobility and daily tasks.

• Previous experience working as a Direct Support Professional or in a related caregiving role.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Training or coursework in developmental disabilities or behavioral health.
• Familiarity with electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to speak multiple languages relevant to the client population.

The skills required for this role are applied daily to provide compassionate and effective support tailored to each client's needs. Strong communication skills enable the DSP to build trusting relationships with clients and collaborate with families and healthcare teams. Problem-solving and adaptability are essential when responding to changing client conditions or unexpected situations. Physical stamina and coordination are necessary to assist clients safely with mobility and personal care. Additionally, organizational skills are used to maintain accurate records and manage time efficiently while balancing multiple responsibilities.

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!