Lead Direct Support Professional

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Paid Time Off

401K plan with employer matching

Company-Provided Life and Short Team Disability Insurance

Growth and Management Opportunities

Job summary

Meridian Services, Inc is seeking a Lead Direct Support Professional in New Brighton, MN. The Lead DSP plays a vital role in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities towards greater independence, providing both direct care and administrative support. Responsibilities include overseeing daily activities, managing medical appointments, and training new staff while being responsive to emergencies.

Candidates should have experience working with individuals facing verbal and physical aggression and be adept in personal care tasks. The position offers various benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, alongside growth opportunities within the organization.

Qualifications

• 21 years of age or older per licensing requirements.
• Comfortable providing personal cares.
• Successful clearance of Department of Human Services background check.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in achieving goals for independence.
• Conduct direct care and administrative tasks weekly.
• Be on call coverage and assist with medical appointments.

Skills

Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities

Verbal and physical aggression management

Person-centered programming

Personal care assistance

Strong English communication skills

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 persons 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

New Brighton, 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, train new staff, handle emergency client issues, and be 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's 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 aggression
• Experience implementing Emergency Use of Manuel Restraints (applicable at select programs)

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. Qualified candidates are encouraged to Apply Today!