Direct Support Professional

Direct Support ProfessionalThe Arc Eastern Connecticut has been providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 60 years. We actively champion for full community inclusion and are a licensed and contracted service provider of the Connecticut Department of Development Services. We provide residential, daytime, employment, and social supports to people with IDD and their families. Come join our team!Shift Schedule: Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pmWork Location: Waterford, CTDescription: Our Direct Support Professionals are committed to facilitate, model, and build skills that will lead to the optimal independence of the people we support.Essential Functions:Deliver training, support, and assistance to participants in the areas of personal care, recreation and leisure, daily living skills, social skills, health needs, personal preferences, exercising of individual rights, community integration, and behavior management.Participate in the design, implementation and monitoring of the participants individualized support plan. Your observations and opinions are crucial to tailoring an achievable plan.Accurately administer prescribed medications to participants as ordered by physicians.Accurately complete required documentation including but not limited to program data, incident reports, daily log, progress notes, and health records.Always ensure participants health and safety including but not limited to prevention of abuse, perform CPR, perform Standard First Aid, perform Heimlich procedure, and evacuate participants in case of a fire.Providing transportation to recreational and community activitiesPrepare participants meals following published menus.Must have the ability to mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills including recreation, independence, communication, and healthExpectations:Demonstrates a positive work ethic.Can work with limited supervision.Advocates for and protects participants' rights in accordance with Arc policies and procedures.Treats all individuals in an age-appropriate manner, with respect and dignity, and to encourage opportunities that promote choice.Maintains a mature and positive attitude when dealing with program participants, staff, families, the public and outside representatives.Works with a spirit of cooperation with all departments.Carries out all job responsibilities in a professional manner.Attends all agency staff meetings and training sessions.Maintains attendance. Adheres to policies on attendance, days of absence, and illness.Keeps supervisor informed of any significant events or the need to modify any area of the operation/activity.Serves as a positive and appropriate role model for program participants.Provides advocacy for participants based on their personal choice and their individual plan.Develops and maintains positive relationships with participants, their families, and providers.Responds to need of participants, families, and providers in a timely and professional manner.Minimum Qualifications:Prior experience working with people who have developmental and physical disabilities preferredMust have the ability to mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills including recreation, independence, communication, and healthValid driver's license required.High School Diploma or GED RequiredApplicants must possess basic computer aptitude and be able to speak/write in EnglishBenefits:Dental insuranceEmployee assistance programHealth insuranceLife insurancePaid time offReferral programOpportunities for advancement are offered.Helping others is a reward that will stay with you the rest of your life.The Arc Eastern Connecticut is an Equal Opportunity Employer