Direct Support Professional

 

Earn up to 18/hr!

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 involves assisting clients in achieving greater independence through daily living activities, skill development, and community integration. The DSP serves as a trusted advocate and companion, ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of those they support. Working closely with families, healthcare providers, and other team members, the DSP helps create and implement individualized care plans tailored to each client’s unique needs. Ultimately, this role contributes to fostering an inclusive environment where clients can thrive and participate fully in their communities.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to individuals with disabilities, including assistance with personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and mobility.
• Implement individualized support plans by facilitating skill-building activities that promote independence and community involvement.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, communicating effectively with supervisors and healthcare professionals.
• Ensure a safe and supportive environment by adhering to all health, safety, and regulatory guidelines.
• Support clients in accessing community resources, recreational activities, and social opportunities to enhance their quality of life.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 understanding of personal care and safety procedures.
• Reliable transportation to and from the job location at 327 Robinson Boulevard-6031W.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a caregiving or support role for individuals with disabilities.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Training or coursework related to developmental disabilities or behavioral health.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends if needed.

Skills

In daily work, the Direct Support Professional utilizes strong interpersonal and communication skills to build trusting relationships with clients and their families. Compassion and patience are essential for effectively supporting individuals with diverse needs and challenges. Organizational skills are used to accurately document client progress and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. Problem-solving abilities help the DSP adapt to changing situations and respond appropriately to emergencies or behavioral concerns. Additionally, practical caregiving skills, such as assisting with personal care and medication management, are applied consistently to ensure client safety and well-being.

 

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 40,0