Direct Support Professional – Beaver, PA

</cx-social-share>

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 that meet each person’s unique needs. Ultimately, the DSP contributes to fostering an inclusive environment where clients feel valued, empowered, and supported in reaching their fullest potential.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and mobility support.
• Implement individualized care plans and support goals designed to promote independence and community participation.
• Monitor and document client progress, behaviors, and any changes in health or well-being, communicating effectively with supervisors and healthcare professionals.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to build self-esteem and social skills.
• Ensure a safe, clean, and supportive living environment while adhering to all regulatory and organizational policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to pass background checks and any required health screenings.
• Basic understanding of caregiving principles and a genuine commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable transportation to and from the job location at 1812 Barclay Hill Road-6070W.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and care planning software.

Skills

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 empathetically with clients, families, and team members, ensuring clear understanding and collaboration. Problem-solving and adaptability are essential when responding to changing client needs or unexpected situations. Organizational skills are used to maintain accurate records and follow care plans meticulously. Preferred skills such as CPR certification and experience with behavioral health enhance the DSP’s ability to respond confidently in emergencies and support clients with complex needs.

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!