Certified Direct Support Professional

Merakey • West Goshen Township, PA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves providing direct care and support to individuals in residential and/or community settings. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting. The position also involves meal preparation, accompanying individuals to appointments, dispensing medication (if applicable and trained), and transporting individuals. Documentation according to program requirements and immediate reporting of any unusual situations to management are also key aspects of the role. Additionally, the role requires supporting individuals in making informed decisions, following specific care or behavior plans, promoting independence, and encouraging the use of public transportation where appropriate. Compliance with Merakey policies, federal, state, and county regulations, HIPAA, and the Merakey Code of Conduct is mandatory. The employee is expected to maintain honesty, integrity, respect, a professional appearance, a positive attitude, and effective communication. Other related duties may be assigned.

Requirements

• NADSP Certification- DSP I
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Ability to read, speak, write, and comprehend the English language.
• Must have desire to help others reach their fullest potential.
• Complete program required health evaluations when appropriate. Examples may include Tuberculosis screenings.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed based on programmatic and individual needs.
• Ability to model, teach, and encourage socially acceptable behaviors as needed.
• Willingness to work in private homes and the community at large, as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Timely Verbal & Written communication
• Assessment skills
• Community Living Skills & Supports
• Building and maintain relationships- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Thinking on your feet- quick decision making

Responsibilities

• Supports Individual(s) in tasks in a residential and/or community setting which may include activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, and other necessary activities of daily living.
• May prepare or assist with preparing meals.
• May accompany individual(s) to a variety of appointments, complete pre/post paperwork errands if approved and a part of the individuals service plan.
• May dispense appropriate individual medication based on established policy and protocol; immediately report errors.
• May transport or arrange for transport of individual(s), following vehicle policy and procedures and adheres to driving laws.
• Performs or assists, guides, and supports Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.
• Documents according to program requirements and specifications.
• Immediately reports to manager, any uncharacteristic situation(s) for appropriate direction.
• Supports and assists individuals to make informed decisions according to program expectations and requirements.
• May follow any individual specific nursing care/behavior plan.
• Promote fading of services by assisting the individual according to the supports requested in the individual’s service plan.
• May support, guide, and encourage individual(s) to access public transportation if appropriate for the individual and the individual’s situation.
• Complies with Merakey Policy and Procedures.
• Completes required documentation and correspondences in accordance with Federal, State, County, and Merakey policies and regulations.
• Follows emergency procedures as directed, i.e., Emergency Evacuation and Relocation Plan, Inclement Weather, etc.
• Performs all duties in accordance with HIPAA.
• Follows Merakey Code of Conduct.
• Completes, passes, and maintains mandatory training.
• Maintaining NADSP DSP I Credentials
• Exercise honesty, integrity and respect with all individuals, natural supports, and co-workers.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, demonstrate a positive attitude, communicate effectively.
• Perform other related duties and functions as required.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED