Program Aide

Our ideal Direct Support Professional candidate will have a strong desire to create long-term impacts on their consumer’s lives and enjoy encouraging, mentoring, and coaching others to achieve their goals. Spend your day in a variety of settings making memories with our individuals.  By following the Individual Support Plan, you can enjoy your days at the park and sensory gardens, while working on social and communication skills.  Enhancing independence by assisting with daily hygiene and personal care. Foster a true sense of pride in your individual, teaching them to navigate daily living activities, such as housekeeping and laundry.

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. 

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a verifiable High School diploma/G.E.D.
• Related experience is helpful.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

• The Program Aide possesses knowledge of current practices and techniques involved in activities of daily living for developmentally disabled individuals.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures of the department and the facility.
• Knowledge of personal hygiene as it applies to the mentally retarded.
• Ability to maintain all required documentation with accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with individuals, staff and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to carry out programs with creativity and initiative.
• Ability to cope with day-to-day problems and to record and report observations on individual behavior.
• Ability to maintain an understanding attitude toward mentally retarded and physically handicapped individuals.
• Ability to lift and transfer individuals, utilizing prescribed techniques usually exceeding fifty (50) pounds. 
• Ability to carry out the routines of the day program in the absence of the Program Instructor.