Lead Direct Support Professional

Meridian Services, Inc; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 26,174 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance offered

Paid Time Off

401K plan with employer matching

Company-Provided Life and Short Term Disability Insurance

Job summary

Meridian Services, Inc is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional in Maple Grove, MN. This role is crucial for supporting individuals in achieving independence and developing lifelong skills, involving both direct care and administrative duties.

The ideal candidate will manage care, training, medical appointments, and emergency issues in collaboration with the manager. Responsibilities include guiding individuals on personal goals and providing community support.

We offer competitive pay, full-time benefits, and growth opportunities in a supportive team atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Minimum 21 years of age as per licensing requirements.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Comfortable providing personal cares including bathing and medication administration.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in achieving greater independence.
• Assist with paperwork and attending medical appointments.
• Guide and teach life skills to individuals served.

Skills

Providing personal cares

Supporting individuals with disabilities

Verbal and physical aggression management

Job description

Posted Wednesday, June 3, 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

Lead Direct Support Professional

Location

Maple Grove, MN

Schedule

7 days on 7 days off with availability between 6AM - 10PM (the schedule will be made a week in advance). During the 7-day period you will be on call for your program. While this position has a primary program, this position will also be cross trained at 5-6 other programs.

Wage

$19.00 - $25.00 per hour including Full Time benefits. Wage based on location and experience. Select programs offer an elevated weekend rate for Lead staff.

Job Summary

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.

• 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. Typically, a company vehicle is available, but times may require use of own personal vehicle.

Required Qualifications

• 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

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
• Experience implementing Emergency Use of Manuel Restraints (applicable at select programs)

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!