Direct Support Professional DOT Driver

Looking for a unique caregiving position with a great schedule? This is the one for you! Merrick, Inc. offers a unique variety of life enrichment, employment, and vocational rehabilitation to more than 375 clients. We are the largest day program in Ramsey County with a 56-year history of leadership in person-centered planning, self-advocacy, meaningful work options, and continuous innovation.

Merrick, Inc. Offers:

• Monday - Friday, 6:00 am - 2:00 pm set schedule.
• Multiple different health insurance options through Medica.
• Up to a 3% retirement match.
• Free dental insurance for the employee.
• Free life insurance for the employee & all dependents.
• A great work environment.

Summary:

The primary duty of the Direct Support Professional is to provide the support and advocacy in which clients can accomplish the desired outcomes of their Support Plan Addendum. This position requires the employee to train and monitor clients who work out in the community picking up plastic recycling. In addition, this position will redirect and assist in de-escalation tactics during challenging situations with clients and assist with the loading and unloading of plastic recycling. As well as engagement with clients, documentation requirements, and maintaining professional relations with coworkers and others associated with clients outside of the Company.

Responsibilities:

1. Drive recycling truck to and from recycling pick up locations.
2. Assist clients, as needed, in gathering and placing bags of plastic in truck.
3. Be always aware of client’s location.
4. Drive clients home after workday, as needed.
5. Occasionally, bring clients out for lunch and to community outings.
6. Encourage clients to reach their personal and employment goals, including encouraging clients to work.
7. Provide support, redirecting, and de-escalation to clients during challenging behavior situations.
8. Assist with coping skills to help eliminate situations that may occur between clients and peers.
   
9. Assist in meeting the transportation needs of clients including operating a motor vehicle, assisting in loading, and unloading of clients in a safe and reliable manner.
   
10. Assist in the preparation and upkeep of the program area to meet the needs of clients, employees, and the Company, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, etc.
    
11. As needed, be cross trained and available for back-ups in other areas within the department.
12. Follow any client or department specific safety measures.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma.
2. Six to twelve months experience supporting individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities is preferred.
3. Experience assisting clients with challenging behaviors is preferred.
4. Have a valid class ‘D’ driver’s license.
5. Maintaining a current DOT medical examiner certificate and medical waiver is preferred.
6. Ability to use electronic devices including databases and internet-based applications.
7. Ongoing commitment to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.
8. Commitment to promoting a safe and hazard free work environment.
9. Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol test following a conditional job offer, as well as throughout the course of employment, required by driving policies.

Our Commitment to DEI  

We are dedicated to building a diverse team of employees who have a ongoing commitment to strengthening diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. 

If you are excited about this role and you feel that you would be an asset to this position, regardless of your past experience, we highly encourage you to apply. We value people for all life, education and work experience. 

Essential Physical Functions:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities of this position. The employee must be able to continually sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout each day. The employee must also be able to stoop, bend, kneel, twist, run, reach, push, pull, regularly move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally move up to 50 pounds. This may include moving clients who are unable to support their own weight or pushing and pulling wheelchairs used by clients weighing 100-200 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made of all essential physical functions.