Direct Support Professional - Beaver, 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.

• Assist clients with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and mobility support.
• Implement individualized care plans and support clients in developing life skills that promote independence and community participation.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, communicating effectively with supervisors and healthcare professionals.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to clients, fostering a positive and respectful environment.
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and organizational policies to maintain a safe and supportive setting for clients.

• 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.

• 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 if needed.
• Familiarity with community resources and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

The skills required for this role are applied daily to provide effective and empathetic support to clients. Strong communication skills enable the DSP to understand client needs and collaborate with team members and families. Patience and compassion are essential in managing challenging behaviors and fostering trust. Organizational skills are used to accurately document client progress and adhere to care plans. Preferred skills such as CPR certification and experience with behavioral support enhance the DSP's ability to respond to emergencies and provide specialized care, ensuring client safety and well-being.

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!