Lead Direct Support Professional

Lead DSP

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do.

We are seeking a Full Time Lead Direct Support Professional (LDSP) to join our team at our program in Ramona, CA.

If you are a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health aide or always wanted to be one, this is the opportunity for you as we are hiring immediately!

Earn $28 - $30 per hour (rate increases $2 per hour once you have received your RBT Registered Behavioral Technician certification).

Our Lead Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) interact and support our individuals with development disabilities in a variety of potential settings including community, family or individual homes and generic community settings, as well as Adult Training Facilities. The DSP will assist with direct care as well as implementation of behavior plans. We provide a level of care that enhances the health, safety, dignity and contentment of every consumer served by assisting and training individuals in the areas of personal care, communication, and social skill development.

What You'll Do

• Serve as the lead staff member on assigned shifts, providing guidance, direction, and support to DSP team members.
• Act as the primary point of contact for program operations, incident reporting, and communication with leadership.
• Assist with staff scheduling, coverage, training, and ensuring quality supports are delivered.
• Support individuals with daily living activities, personal care, community participation, and goal achievement.
• Administer medications and complete required documentation in accordance with company policy and state regulations.
• Support implementation of Individual Support Plans, behavior plans, and nursing care plans.
• Promote independence, community integration, and person-centered services.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, licensing regulations, agency policies, and safety procedures.

What We're Looking For

• Proven leadership ability and experience mentoring or supporting direct care staff.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Compassionate, person-centered approach to supporting individuals with IDD and behavioral health needs.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work a flexible schedule.

Why Join Us? Step into a leadership role where you can make a daily impact by guiding a team, ensuring quality care, and helping individuals reach their fullest potential.

To fill out an on-line application:

Merakey offers benefits tailored to support your unique work arrangements.

• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• Voluntary limited benefits offered through the American Worker. Offerings include limited* medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance. (*not a substitute for major medical insurance)
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Enjoy our On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

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.

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 at least 18 years old.
• Must have a verifiable/High School Diploma/G.E.D.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Dual Diagnose experience preferred.
• Must have 1 year of paid verifiable experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities, with a focus on behavioral services; and
• Required to complete a DSP 1 and DSP 2 certification, within 1 year of hired date.
• Required to complete an RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) certification within 60 days of hired date.