Direct Care Program Lead

Merakey; United States; On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plan (pre-tax and Roth)

DailyPay

Well-being platform

Backup childcare & elder care

EAP (counseling, legal, financial)

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Free online learning

Job summary

Merakey is seeking a Program Lead in Selinsgrove, PA to oversee day-to-day program operations and staff, ensuring high-quality service delivery. You will coordinate schedules, manage timecards, and supervise direct care tasks including medication administration and safety protocols.

Ideal candidates combine strong communication skills with a proven ability to lead teams in fast-paced settings, while maintaining client safety and program compliance.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to make quick decisions and remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead staff and be point person on shift.
• Prepare and manage house schedules with Program Manager.
• Approve DSP timecards and leave requests.
• Perform Direct Care duties (ADL, meal prep, supervision).
• Medication management and administration.
• Handle Incident Management with Program Manager and QCO.
• Oversee household needs (menu, shopping, housekeeping).
• Ensure upkeep and maintenance of assigned home.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Task prioritization

Decision making

Independent & team work

Education

High School diploma / GED

NADSP Certification (within first year)

Job description

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 Program Lead in Selinsgrove, PA to join our team!

Earn $21.48/hour with the selection of Enhanced Pay Option; $19.48/hour as a base rate, if you do not select Enhanced Pay.

The Program Lead plays a critical role in the day-to-day management and oversight of specific programs or services within their identified Division. Reporting to the Program Manager, this position is responsible for coordinating program activities and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to program participants. This role may manage a caseload of their own.

Must possess:

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to make quick decisions and remain calm under pressure
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Staff Management

• Provide guidance, support, and direction to staff members
• Assign duties and responsibilities to staff based on program needs and individuals' strengths
• Conduct regular check-ins and provide feedback to staff regarding performance and areas for improvement

Client Care and Safety

• Ensure the safety and security of clients and staff by enforcing program policies and procedures
• Monitor client behavior and intervene as necessary to de-escalate conflicts or address concerns
• Respond to emergencies or crises effectively, following established protocols and seeking assistance as needed

Specific Job Functions

• Acts as Lead staff and point person when on shift
• Prepares and manages house schedules in coordination with the Program Manager
• Approve all DSP timecards and leave requests
• Direct Care responsibilities to include but not limited to ADL's, food preparation/feeding, maintaining required supervision requirements
• Medication management and administration
• Incident Management in coordination with Program Manager and QCO
• Manages all household needs to include but not limited to menu development, grocery shopping, housekeeping
• Ensure ongoing upkeep and maintenance of assigned home
• Ensures overall cleanliness ongoing
• Daily maintenance needs (lightbulbs, filter cleanings, etc.)
• Identifies needed repairs and submits maintenance requests

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus access to healthcare advocacy support.
• Retirement plan -- both pre-tax and Roth (after-tax) options available for employee contributions.
• DailyPay -- access your pay when you need it!
• On the Goga well-being platform, featuring self-care tools and resources.
• Access Care.com for backup childcare, elder care, and household services.
• Confidential counseling, legal, and financial services through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and educational partnerships.
• Employee discounts and savings programs on entertainment, travel, and lifestyle.
• Access to Pryor Online Learning for free online personal development classes.

Learn more about our full benefits package - https://www.merakey.org/careers/benefits

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!

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications

• Must be 18 years old.
• Must have a verifiable High School diploma/G.E.D. OR 4 -5 years' experience working in a human services residential setting
• 1-3 total years of experience required
• Willingness to obtain NADSP Certification obtained within first year of hire, if required