Direct Support Professional - OrderID: 5089

Job Description

Job Description

We are currently seeking dedicated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities under the direct supervision of the Residential Manager. The DSP is responsible for the delivery of person-centered, direct services for all individuals in the residence. In addition, the DSP will maintain a normalized, therapeutic, and safe environment in the least restrictive atmosphere possible.

Interested candidates will actively promote positive self-esteem and community inclusion for residents through consistent positive interactions, support, encouragement, and unconditional respect for individual resident rights.

Key Responsibilities

• Individualized Support: Work with individuals with developmental disabilities to implement Individualized Support Plans (ISPs), behavioral plans, and teach essential self-care skills.
• Personal Care: Assist clients with daily personal hygiene tasks, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
• Household Operations: Complete housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming, laundry, washing dishes, and tidying to maintain an OSHA-compliant and clean living environment.
• Scheduling & Community Inclusion: Help plan client medical appointments, organize daily schedules, and encourage active engagement in local social networks and communities.
• Nutritional Support: Shop for groceries and prepare meals that strictly meet specific client dietary needs, textures, and food consistency guidelines.
• Compliance Documentation: Accurately document service provision, daily shift logs, incident reports, and behavior tracking via the Therap electronic documentation system as required by Connecticut DDS policies. 
• Organizational Ethics: Adhere to the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Code of Ethics and support the organization’s mission, vision, and values.

Qualifications & Compliance Requirements

• Background Clearances: Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment screening, including a Connecticut State Police criminal background check, DDS Abuse and Neglect Registry check, and sex offender registry review.
• Health & Safety Mandates: Proof of physical health clearance and up-to-date immunizations as aligned with current Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations.
• Internal Standing: Must be beyond the introductory probationary period and have no formal disciplinary actions on file for the past 12 months.
• Education: Must have a high school diploma.
• Required State Certifications (Paid training provided if not currently held) :
  • Connecticut DDS Medication Administration Certification (must be obtained within the agency's designated timeline)
  • Physical Management Training (PMT) certification
  • American Heart Association or Red Cross CPR & First Aid

Physical Demands

• Ability to safely lift, transfer, and assist individuals weighing at least 50 pounds or more.
• Daily physical activity including standing, bending, twisting, reaching, and repetitive lifting.
• Ability to remain standing and ambulatory for at least eight hours at a time during a scheduled shift.

Benefits

We value the work our employees do and are committed to offering competitive pay along with access to benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and everyday life. Benefit availability varies based on assignment type, schedule, length of employment, and plan eligibility requirements.

Benefits available to eligible employees include health plan coverage, comprehensive medical options, group-rate dental and vision plans, prescription drug coverage, short-term disability, and a 401(k) plan. Employees can also access additional support and savings programs, including an Employee Assistance Program, childcare assistance, the Perks at Work employee discount program, paid holidays, and longevity pay bonuses.

Together, these offerings are designed to provide meaningful support while you build experience, earn income, and take on opportunities that fit your goals.

Company Overview

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.