Direct Support Professional - Full Time

Meridian Services Incorporated; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid Training

401K plan with employer matching after

Life and Short Term Disability

Supplemental Insurance and Pet

Growth and Management Opportunities

Employee of the month recognition

Job summary

Meridian Services Incorporated in Cottage Grove, MN is seeking a Direct Support Professional to help individuals achieve personal goals through tasks such as meal preparation, community outings, personal hygiene, shopping, and medication administration.

You will provide personal care and medical supports, respond to challenging behaviors, and support life skills. Transportation and community activities are included, with a company vehicle or personal vehicle as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be 18+ to support Adult Programs; 21+ for Youth Programs.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Vehicle with current car insurance required.
• Clean driving record per Meridian policy.
• Successful DHS Background Study clearance.
• Comfortable providing personal cares (medication administration included).

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with meal preparation and daily tasks.
• Support with community outings and shopping.
• Provide personal care and medication administration.
• Teach life skills and independence.
• Assist with cleaning and meal preparation at home.
• Supervise transportation in the community; company or personal vehicle may be used.

Skills

English proficiency

Valid driver's license

Own vehicle

DHS background clearance

Provide personal care

Job description

Posted Friday, August 14, 2026 at 6:00 AM

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: Cottage Grove, MN (multiple schedules available across various locations)

Wage:$24.00 hourly including company benefits

Job Summary:

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you will assist individuals in working toward their personal goals. DSP staff support individuals with tasks such as meal preparation, community outings, personal hygiene, shopping, cleaning, attending appointments, and taking medication. Staff should feel comfortable providing personal care, medical supports, and other daily supports to those they assist. Staff should feel comfortable responding to interfering behaviors.

• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Experience:

• 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
• At least 1 year implementing Emergency Use of Manual Restraints (applicable at select programs)

Required Qualifications:

• Staff must be at least 18 years of age to support Adult Programs
• Staff must be 21 years of age or older to support Youth 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
• Comfortable providing personal cares (including but not limited to: bathroom supports, bathing/showering, medication administration)

Meridian Services Company Benefits and Perks Include:

• 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. Qualified candidates are encouraged to Apply Today!