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 fostering community integration. The DSP works closely with clients to implement individualized care plans, ensuring their health, safety, and emotional well-being. Through consistent encouragement and support, the DSP helps clients develop new skills and achieve personal goals. 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.
• Implement individualized care plans and document progress accurately to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to promote client independence and self-confidence.
• Facilitate community engagement by accompanying clients to appointments, social events, and recreational activities.
• Maintain a safe and clean living environment in accordance with health and safety regulations.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screenings as required by the employer.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated compassion and patience in working with individuals with disabilities.
• Basic knowledge of first aid and CPR or willingness to obtain certification.

• 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.
• Ability to drive and possess a valid driver's license.
• Familiarity with electronic documentation systems.

The skills required for this role are applied daily to ensure clients receive respectful and effective support tailored to their unique needs. Strong communication skills enable the DSP to interact clearly and empathetically with clients, families, and healthcare professionals. Organizational skills are essential for managing schedules, medication administration, and accurate documentation. Problem-solving abilities help the DSP respond appropriately to unexpected situations or behavioral challenges. Preferred skills such as CPR certification and experience with electronic records enhance the DSP's capability to provide safe and efficient care.

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!