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.
• 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 individuals 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. Ultimately, the DSP contributes to fostering an inclusive environment where clients can thrive and participate fully in their communities.

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and mobility support.
• Implement individualized support plans by encouraging skill development and promoting independence in various life areas.
• Provide emotional support and companionship to enhance socialization and community involvement.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, communicating effectively with the care team.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive environment that respects the dignity and preferences of each individual.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass background checks and any required health screenings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated patience, empathy, and reliability in working with individuals with disabilities.
• Basic knowledge of safety and emergency procedures.

• Previous experience in direct support or caregiving roles.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Training or coursework related to developmental disabilities or behavioral support.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Familiarity with community resources and advocacy for individuals with disabilities.

The skills required for this role are applied daily to provide compassionate and effective support tailored to each individual's needs. Strong communication skills enable the DSP to interact clearly and empathetically with clients, families, and team members, ensuring coordinated care. Problem-solving and adaptability are essential when responding to changing client needs or unexpected situations. Organizational skills support accurate documentation and adherence to care plans, while patience and emotional resilience help maintain a positive and supportive environment. Preferred skills such as CPR certification and experience with behavioral support enhance the DSP's ability to respond confidently to emergencies and promote client 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 40,000 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!