Lead Direct Support Professional

Meridian Services • Crystal, MN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) in one of our Crisis-level programs, all DSPs and Lead staff must be comfortable responding to interfering behaviors and implementing physical intervention techniques daily. The Lead Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a crucial role in supporting individuals in achieving their goals for greater independence and the development of lifelong skills. This position involves a combination of direct support responsibilities and administrative tasks on a weekly basis. The Lead DSP will be responsible for at least 20 hours of direct care or more based on the needs of the program. They will need to support all medical appointments, training new staff, emergency client issues, and on call coverage for a team of programs. The Lead DSP will also assist the manager with coordinating appointments, managing paperwork, and performing other miscellaneous duties as assigned. Ideal candidates will have experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, a strong understanding of person-centered programming, and experience in managing verbal and physical aggression.

Requirements

• 21 years of age or older per licensing requirements
• Proficient in spoken and written English language
• Comfortable providing personal cares (including but not limited to: bathroom supports, bathing/showering, medication administration)
• Successful clearance of Department of Human Services background check
• Have a vehicle to use for work related purposes with current car insurance
• Have an acceptable driving record as determined by Meridian Services policy
• Have a Wi-Fi-enabled device for work related purposes
• At least 2 years working with interfering behaviors including verbal and physical aggressions.
• At least 2 years implementing physical interventions including Emergency Use of Manual Restraints (when permitted and required).
• At least 2 years supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or mental health diagnosis.
• At least 2 years providing personal cares (including but not limited to: bathroom supports, bathing/showering, medication administration, etc.)

Nice To Haves

• At least 1 year supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or mental health diagnosis
• At least 1 year working with individuals with verbal and physical aggressions
• Experience implementing Emergency Use of Manual Restraints (applicable at select programs)

Responsibilities

• Work on tailored outcomes with each person in the home. Outcomes may include: budgeting, behavioral management, community exploration, meal planning, organizational skills, coping skills, and/or physical fitness.
• Assist with paperwork and attending doctor appointments
• Be an active participant with individuals served when working on outcomes and out in the community.
• Assist with personal cares as needed per person served
• Provide guidance and instructional teaching to persons while building life skills.
• Provide cleaning, cooking and medication administration to the people living at the home
• Provide supervision and transportation in the community on activities and appointments.
• Support all medical appointments.
• Train new staff.
• Handle emergency client issues.
• Provide on call coverage for a team of programs.
• Assist the manager with coordinating appointments.
• Manage paperwork.
• Perform other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full Time benefits
• Elevated weekend rate for Lead staff (at select programs)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed