Program Lead

Program Lead - IDD / Residential Services (Direct Support Leadership)

Location: Redding, California

Pay: $19.50/hour

Are you a Direct Support Professional (DSP) ready to step into leadership? Join Merakey and grow your career while making a meaningful impact supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Program Lead Overview

The Program Lead supports the daily operations of a residential or community-based IDD program. Reporting to the Program Manager, this role provides hands-on leadership, staff guidance, and direct care support to ensure services are delivered in accordance with California regulatory standards (Title 17, DDS, and CCL as applicable).

This is a working leadership role, combining direct support responsibilities with team coordination and oversight.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Staff Leadership

• Serve as lead staff and on-shift point of contact
• Support scheduling and daily program operations in partnership with the Program Manager
• Provide coaching, direction, and real-time feedback to DSP staff
• Assist in training and reinforcing compliance with state regulations and company policies

Direct Care / DSP Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including hygiene, meals, and mobility
• Support individuals with behavioral needs using de-escalation and person-centered techniques
• Ensure proper supervision levels in compliance with individual service plans (ISPs)

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Administer and assist with medication management per CA regulations
• Ensure compliance with Title 17, DDS, and Community Care Licensing (CCL) requirements
• Respond to incidents and emergencies and complete required reporting in coordination with leadership

Home & Program Operations

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized residential environment
• Oversee household needs including meal planning, grocery shopping, and basic maintenance coordination
• Submit maintenance requests and ensure timely resolution

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High School Diploma or GED required
  (OR equivalent experience in a human services or residential setting)
• 1-3 years of experience in human services, caregiving, or IDD support preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in crisis situations
• Must be willing to obtain NADSP Certification within the first year of employment (if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Prior leadership or senior DSP experience
• Knowledge of California Title 17, DDS, or CCL regulations

Why Join Merakey?

• Career growth opportunities into Program Management and leadership roles
• Meaningful work supporting individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives
• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment

If you're a DSP ready to advance your career or an experienced caregiver looking for a leadership opportunity, we encourage you to apply today.

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 -

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!

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Must be 18 years old.
• Must have a verifiable High School diploma/G.E.D. OR 4 -5 years' experience working in a human services residential setting
• 1-3 total years of experience required
• Willingness to obtain NADSP Certification obtained within first year of hire, if required