Lead Direct Support Professional

Lead Direct Support Professional POSITION SUMMARY The Lead Direct Care Professional (LDSP) is responsible for supporting individuals through teaching, coaching, modeling, and accompanying individuals with disabilities so that they are involved in family, neighborhood, civic, cultural and religious activities and events. In diverse settings, the LDSP works with individuals with varying degrees of mental health diagnoses and abilities, upholds the dignity and respect of those served by promoting person‑centered care, documents activities of daily living, and ensures a safe and sanitary environment. WORK LOCATION TYPE Residential Group Home PAY & SHIFT Earn $26-28 per hour (rate increases to $2 per hour after receiving RBT certification). SHIFT: Tue‑Sat, 3rd Shift, 11pm‑7am ADMINISTRATIVE Act in lead role on assigned shift; point person for all activities, incident notification/reporting, and overall program liaison. Assist Administrator in staff scheduling as assigned. DIRECT CARE Supports individuals in residential or community settings with activities of daily living and personal care (feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting). Prepares or assists with meals that promote proper nutrition, meet individualized dietary needs. Accompanies individuals to scheduled medical appointments, completing required paperwork. Dispenses prescribed medication following established protocol; reports errors immediately. Arranges or transports individuals according to vehicle policy and driving laws. Assists with housekeeping functions. Documents daily progress reports in individual's electronic health record; updates all communication logs as directed. Reports uncharacteristic situations to manager for appropriate direction. SUPPORT OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S SUPPORT PLAN(S) Supports progress toward individual's goals and outcomes. Follows individual‑specific nursing care plan or behavior plan. Promotes independence by facilitating engagement in community resources, facilities, and activities. Shares information and observations for the development, review, and maintenance of support plans as part of an interdisciplinary team. Encourages access to public transportation. COMPLIANCE Complies with Manday (Merakey) Policy and Procedures. Completes mandatory documentation and correspondence in accordance with Federal, State, County, and Manday policies and regulations. Follows emergency procedures and mandatory concerns as directed, including evacuation and weather plans. Performs all duties in accordance with HIPAA. Follows Merakey Code of Conduct. Completes, passes and maintains mandatory training. BENEFITS Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with healthcare advocacy support. Retirement plan—pre‑tax and Roth options. DailyPay access to your pay when you need it. Access to the Goga well‑being platform with self‑care tools. Access to Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services. Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services via Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships. Employee discounts and savings on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle. Free online personal development classes via Pryor Online Learning. ABOUT MERAKEY Merakey is a non‑profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. Over 8,000 employees support nearly 40,000 individuals and families across 12 states each year. Merakey follows a zero‑tolerance policy for abuse. EMPLOYMENT EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT Merakey is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Veterans are encouraged to apply. QUALIFICATIONS Must be at least 18 years old. Must have a verifiable high school diploma or GED. A valid driver's license is required. Must have at least 1 year of experience providing direct care to individuals with developmental disabilities, focusing on behavioral services. CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS DSP 1 and DSP 2 certification—required within 12 months of hire. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification—required within 60 days of hire. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Dual diagnosis experience is a plus. #J-18808-Ljbffr