Behavior Support Specialist

Merrick, Inc. offers a unique variety of life enrichment, employment, and vocational rehabilitation services to more than 375 clients. We are the largest day program in Ramsey County, with a 60-year history of leadership in person-centered planning, self-advocacy, meaningful work options, and continuous innovation.

We are currently looking for a Positive Support Specialist who is passionate about helping individuals build skills, navigate challenges, and live more independent lives.

This role works primarily off-site in clients’ homes and communities, supporting individuals through behavioral coaching, crisis de-escalation, and skill building. If you enjoy meaningful work, problem-solving, and helping people succeed, this may be the role for you.

Merrick, Inc. Offers:

• No weekends or holidays. 
• Health insurance options through Medica. 
• 3% retirement match. 
• $5 dental insurance for all employees. 
• Free life insurance for the employee & all dependants.

What You’ll Do

• Manage a caseload of clients and provide positive behavior support in clients’ homes and the community.
• Develop and implement behavior support plans and skill-building strategies.
• Support clients during challenging situations and help build coping and daily living skills.
• Encourage participation in activities, outings, and community inclusion.
• Maintain documentation, transport clients when needed, and assist with personal care tasks and daily supports.

What We're Looking For

• An associate degree in social services or two years of supervised experience working with people who exhibit challenging behavior, as well as co-occurring mental disorders and neurocognitive disorders.
• A valid Class D driver’s license, be able to drive your personal vehicle to and from client homes, and meet the company’s minimum requirements for operating a personal vehicle.
• A flexible schedule, Monday - Friday.
• Ability to use electronic devices and internet-based applications.
• Ongoing commitment to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol test following a conditional job offer and throughout the course of employment.

At Merrick, you’ll join a team that believes everyone deserves opportunities to learn, grow, and participate in their community. Our work is challenging, meaningful, and deeply rewarding.

If you’re looking for a career where you can truly make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

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 and be able to stoop, bend, kneel, twist, run, reach, and regularly push or pull up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

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.