DSP Summer Internship

Looking for a summer internship that really makes a difference in people’s lives? Apply now!

Our Direct Support Professional internship is the perfect summer opportunity for someone who is pursuing a human services degree or something similar. 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.

Internship Offers:

• Monday – Friday, 7:00 – 3:00 set schedule, 40-hours per week!
• Work directly with our clients in a day program or work program environment.
• Opportunity to work in multiple areas to gain experience.
• Great team and clients to work with!

Essential Responsibilities:

1. Work with clients to reach their personal and employment goals and outcomes, including encouraging clients to work.
2. Train, coach, and monitor clients to perform work-related contracts in accordance with the quality standards of the facility-based customer.
3. Encourage clients to engage in day activities, outings, and community inclusion.
4. Be engaged throughout the day with clients in activities or community outings.
5. Set up and take down daily work contracts for client contract work.
6. Complete needed paperwork, documentation, and reports for client contract work.
7. Assist clients in personal cares such as, toileting, changing briefs, occasionally bathing, feeding, and preparing meals as needed.
8. Transfer clients using appropriate body mechanics and assistive equipment such as wheelchairs, Posey belt, walkers, standers, etc.
9. Assist in the preparation and upkeep of the program area to meet the needs of clients, employees, and the Company.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma.
2. Currently pursuing a degree or certification in human services, psychology, or another related field of study. 
3. Ability to use electronic devices including databases and internet-based applications.
4. On-going commitment to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace.
5. Commitment to promoting a safe and hazard-free work environment.
6. 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.

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. Be able to stoop, bend, kneel, twist, run, reach, push, and pull, regularly move up to 10-20 pounds and occasionally move up to 70 pounds, including moving clients who are unable to support their own weight, push and pull wheelchairs used by clients weighing 100-200 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made of all essential physical functions.

Our Commitment to DEI 

We are dedicated to building a diverse team of employees who have an 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.