Weekend Direct Support Professional, Benhaven Respite

The Respite Center is looking for a Per Diem DSP. The respite program is open from Fridays at 1 pm until Mondays at 11 am, and staff for this role report to the Respite Center Manager.

Status/Hours:  Per Diem 

Schedule:  Per Diem: Fridays at 1 pm – Monday at 11 am

Responsibilities:

  The following duties are assigned to this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• To build rapport with each respite guest and their family to facilitate a safe, enjoyable, and interactive experience while in respite care
• Work closely with clinician and program manager to understand and implement Behavior Support Plans for the youth who is attending respite for that given weekend.
• Provide leadership on shift as needed
• Be an active team member in planning activities for the respite guests after consulting the Leisure Interest Survey completed by the individual and his or her family. Group activities might include community trips to museums, movies, fairs, the beach, or special community events occurring during the guests' visit.
• All DSP’s will ensure safety for everyone in the environment and assist with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Required to successfully obtain Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Medication Certification and comply with DDS standards to maintain DDS Medication Certification in good standing.

The Benhaven Respite Center supports youth ages 8 – 20 who are enrolled in the Behavioral Support Program (BSP) through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Our respite center is designed to provide planned respite to families to allow time to reenergize, focus on other family members, engage in personal, social, or routine activities and tasks that may otherwise be postponed or curtailed due to the responsibilities of caring for their family member.

The Benhaven Respite Center is open Fridays at 1 pm – Monday morning at 11 am and is able to support up to 4 youth at a time. The youth attending the respite center will enjoy a fun-filled weekend of activities and events designed for them and the interests of the group for the weekend. The focus of each weekend is to ensure our respite guests are enjoying their stay by:

• participating in community activities,
• making new friends and maintaining friendships,
• having fun,
• doing activities within the group they enjoy,
• making good choices, and
• learning/experiencing new activities.

Position Requirements :

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Valid CT driver's license
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Standard Benefits:

• Sick days (accrued)
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Employee Discounts (Tickets-At-Work, Verizon, Alliance College discounts, etc.)
• Employee Referral Program
• Mutual of America 403b & 401a