Program Lead

Merakey; Shippensburg (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plan

DailyPay

Well-being platform and care resources

Backup care options

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Tuition reimbursement

Learning platforms access

Job summary

Merakey in Shippensburg, PA is seeking a Direct Care Program Lead to supervise residential staff, coordinate daily schedules, and ensure safety and high-quality client care. The role includes medication management and incident response, as well as overseeing household operations.

The position is 1st shift (8 am–4 pm) with no weekends; candidates must be 18+, hold a HS diploma/GED (or have 4–5 years in a human services setting), and may pursue NADSP certification within the first year of hire.

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 within the first year of hire, if required.

Responsibilities

• Acts as Lead staff and point person when on shift.
• Prepares and manages house schedules in coordination with the Program Manager.
• Direct Care responsibilities include ADL’s, food preparation/feeding, maintaining supervision requirements.
• Medication management and administration.
• Incident management in coordination with Program Manager and QCO.
• Manages all household needs including menu development, grocery shopping, housekeeping.
• Ensures ongoing upkeep and maintenance of assigned home (cleanliness, daily maintenance, repairs).

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Conflict resolution

Prioritize tasks

Decision making

Independent & collaborative work

Education

High School diploma or GED

4–5 years human services residential experience

Job description

Position

Direct Care Program Lead

Location

Shippensburg, PA

Pay Rate

$19.48/hour (Up to $21.48/hr with enhanced pay option)

Shift

1st shift - no weekends (8 am - 4 pm)

Requirements

• 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 within the first year of hire, if required.

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.
• 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.
• Ensures ongoing upkeep and maintenance of assigned home.
  • Ensures overall cleanliness ongoing.
  • Daily maintenance needs (lightbulbs, filter cleanings, etc.).
  • Identifies needed repairs and submits maintenance request.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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!

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