Program Lead

Merakey; Westmont (PA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement plan

DailyPay

Well-being platform

Care.com access

EAP

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Pryor Online Learning

Job summary

Merakey is seeking a Program Lead in Johnstown, PA to join our team. The role leads daily operations, oversees staff, and ensures safety and quality in client care within a residential setting.

The ideal candidate brings 1–3 years of experience, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to manage schedules, timesheets, and incident response under company policies. NADSP certification may be required within the first year.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• High School diploma/G.E.D. or 4–5 years of experience 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

• Act as Lead staff and point person when on shift.
• Prepare and manage house schedules in coordination with the Program Manager.
• Approve all DSP timecards and leave requests.
• Direct Care duties including ADLs, meal prep/feeding, supervision.
• Medication management and administration.
• Manage incidents in coordination with Program Manager and QCO.
• Oversee household needs: menus, groceries, upkeep and maintenance.
• Maintain household cleanliness and daily maintenance; submit repairs as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Prioritize tasks

Decision making under pressure

Independent and collaborative

Experience 1-3 years

NADSP Certification readiness

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team? At Merakey, we put heart and soul into everything we do.

Program Lead

We are seeking a Program Lead in Johnstown, PA to join our team! Earn $19.48/hour with the selection of Enhanced Pay Option.

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 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.
• Approve all DSP timecards and leave requests.
• 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 and ongoing upkeep and maintenance of assigned home.
• Household maintenance: ensures overall cleanliness, daily maintenance needs (lightbulbs, filter cleanings, etc.), identifies needed repairs and submits maintenance requests.

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.

About Merakey

Merakey is a non‑profit provider of developmental, behavioral health, and education services. More than 8,000 employees provide support to nearly 40,000 individuals and families throughout 12 states across the country each year. Click here to watch a video about Merakey. Merakey strictly follows a zero‑tolerance policy for abuse.

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!