Direct Support Professional - Full Time

Meridian Services; Brooklyn Park (MD); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Paid Time Off

401K plan with employer matching

Life and disability insurance

Education and growth opportunities

Employee recognition

Job summary

Meridian Services is hiring a Direct Support Professional for our Crisis program in Brooklyn Park, MN. The DSP supports individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities by assisting with daily living tasks, community outings, and personal care in a structured crisis setting.

Responsibilities include responding to challenging behaviors, implementing safety procedures, and helping clients reach personal goals.

Qualifications

• Proficient in spoken and written English language.
• 2+ years working with individuals who have disabilities or behavioral challenges.
• Ability to use transportation to support community-based activities and appointments.
• Must be 21+ years old and have a vehicle with current insurance.

Responsibilities

• Respond to interfering behaviors including verbal and physical aggressions.
• Assist individuals with daily tasks such as self-care, meal planning, shopping, and medication administration.
• Provide personal care and medical supports as needed.
• Cross-train across 1-2 other programs for training purposes.
• Support individuals in community outings and transportation arrangements.
• Document activities and outcomes to track progress.

Skills

English proficiency

Verbal communication

Written communication

Reliable transportation

Tools

Wi‑Fi device

Job description

Meridian Services offers person-centered supports and cares to individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities across a diverse range of settings. These include Residential Services, In-Home Services, and Case Management Services. Today, we have 30 group homes, 150 In-Home person served, and over 100 Case Managers across the state of Minnesota. Our mission is to provide services of the finest quality so that those we serve will be able to achieve their goals!

Job Title: Direct Support Professional

Location: Brooklyn Park, MN (multiple schedules available across various locations)

Schedule: Thursday, Friday: 6:00am - 4:00pm, Every Other Weekend: 7:00am - 10:00pm

Wage: $24.00 per hour on weekdays; $28.00 per hour on weekends (including company benefits)

Job Summary

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in our Crisis program, staff must be comfortable responding to interfering behaviors and implementing physical intervention techniques daily. In addition to responding to interfering behaviors daily, staff will also assist individuals in working toward their personal goals. DSP staff support our persons served with tasks such as self care, community outings, homework, shopping, cleaning, attending appointments, and taking medication. Staff should feel comfortable providing personal care, medical supports, and other daily personal cares and supports to those they assist. Please note, all staff will be cross trained at 1-2 other programs for training purposes.

Essential Job Duties

• Respond to interfering behaviors including verbal and physical aggressions.
• Implement physical intervention techniques including Emergency Use of Manual Restraints (when permitted and required).
• Work on tailored outcomes with each person in the home. Outcomes may include behavioral management, community exploration, meal planning, organizational skills, coping skills, and/or physical fitness.
• 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 individuals living at the home.
• Provide supervision and transportation in the community on activities and appointments. Typically, a company vehicle is available, but times may require use of own personal vehicle.

Required Experience

• 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.)

Required Qualifications

• Staff must be 21 years of age or older to support Youth and Crisis Programs.
• Proficient in spoken and written English language.
• 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.
• Successful clearance of a Department of Human Services (DHS) Background Study.

Meridian Services Company Benefits and Perks

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance offered
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Training
• 401K plan with employer matching after 1 year
• Company‑Provided Life and Short Team Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance and Pet Insurance offered
• Growth and Management Opportunities!
• Employee of the month recognition and gift card

Meridian Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.