Day Program Direct Support Professional

The-Arc-of-Litchfield-County,-Inc.; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Outstanding Benefits

Three weeks vacation

Job summary

The Arc of Litchfield County, Inc. (LARC) is seeking Direct Support Professionals for our Day Service Options program in Torrington, CT. You’ll help adults with I/DD build skills, pursue interests, and participate in their communities, providing encouragement and practical support.

This is active, engaging work that emphasizes person-centered planning and meaningful daily activities. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED and a valid CT driver’s license; CPR/First Aid and Medication

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 21+ years old preferred.
• Valid Connecticut driver's license or ability to obtain.
• Comfort with basic computer tasks and electronic documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in engaging in meaningful community activities.
• Support skill development and independence goals.
• Document progress and outcomes for each individual.
• Collaborate with team, families, and supervisors.
• Promote choice, self-advocacy and relationship building.

Skills

DSP

Caregiver

Job coach

Paraprofessional

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid Certification

Medication Administration Certification

Tools

Therap

Job description

Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Day Support OptionsMonday–Friday | 8:00 AM–3:30 PM | Starting Pay: $19.20/hour | Outstanding Benefits | 3 Weeks Vacation in Your First YearHelp Someone Have a Great Day — and Build a Life They ChooseAre you someone who enjoys being active, connecting with people, trying new things, and helping others discover what they can do?The Arc of Litchfield County, Inc. (LARC) is looking for compassionate, energetic, and dependable Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Day Service Options (DSO) Program.This isn't a job where you sit behind a desk all day — and no two days have to look exactly alike.As a DSO DSP, you'll support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as they build skills, explore interests, participate in their communities, develop relationships, and work toward personal goals.Your job isn't to plan someone's life for them. It's to listen, encourage, support, and create opportunities for each person to have meaningful experiences and greater choice in how they spend their day.What Could Your Day Look Like?One day you might help someone learn a new skill or work toward an individual goal. Another could involve volunteering, exercising, visiting a local business, participating in a community activity, working on communication or social skills, or discovering a completely new interest.You may:Support individuals in participating in meaningful community activities and experiencesHelp people explore hobbies, interests, recreation, volunteering, and social opportunitiesTeach and reinforce skills that increase independenceSupport goals identified in each person's individualized planEncourage choice, self-advocacy, confidence, and decision-makingHelp individuals build relationships and connections within their communityDevelop engaging activities based on people's interests, abilities, and goalsProvide transportation and support individuals while participating in community activitiesAssist with personal care and other individual needs when requiredObserve progress and accurately document services, goals, and important informationWork collaboratively with coworkers, managers, families, and members of the teamMost importantly, you'll focus on strengths and possibilities — what someone enjoys, what matters to them, what they want to learn, and what they would like to accomplish.We're Looking for More Than a CaregiverGreat DSPs don't simply supervise people.They engage. Teach. Encourage. Listen. Notice. Create opportunities.We're looking for someone who can walk into work and ask:"What can we make possible today?"You don't need to have all the answers. You do need to be curious, dependable, patient, creative, and willing to get involved.Because you're supporting people who depend on you, reliability and follow-through matter. You'll also be responsible for completing required documentation and following individual plans, safety practices, and applicable DDS, DPH, Medicaid Waiver, OSHA, HIPAA, and LARC requirements.What You'll NeedHigh school diploma or GEDMust be at least 21 years oldValid Connecticut driver's license with a safe driving recordAbility to successfully complete required background checks and a pre-employment physicalBasic computer skills and the ability to complete required electronic documentationAbility and willingness to support individuals with varying needsStrong communication and teamwork skillsReliability, good judgment, and a commitment to person-centered supportEven Better If You Have:Previous experience as a DSP, CNA, PCA, caregiver, job coach, paraprofessional, or human services professionalExperience supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilitiesCPR, First Aid, PMT, or Medication Administration certificationExperience with Therap or similar electronic documentation systemsNever worked as a DSP before?That's okay. Some of the qualities that make someone an exceptional DSP can't be taught: compassion, reliability, patience, curiosity, respect, and a genuine belief in people's potential.Bring those qualities and a willingness to learn, and LARC will provide the required training.Why Join LARC?Excellent Health InsuranceEmployee premiums as low as $15.19 per weekGenerous Paid Time OffEnjoy 3 weeks of vacation in your first yearPaid Training & DevelopmentWe'll help you develop the skills and certifications you need to succeed.Work That Keeps You EngagedThis is active, people-centered work that can take you into the community and introduce you to new experiences.See the Impact of Your WorkCelebrate the everyday wins — a new skill learned, a new place explored, a new relationship formed, or someone doing something today that they couldn't do yesterday.A Culture of BelongingJoin an inclusive organization grounded in dignity, respect, choice, opportunity, and the belief that every person has strengths to contribute.Bring Your Strengths. Help Someone Discover Theirs.If you want a job where your energy, creativity, compassion, and reliability can make a meaningful difference, we'd like to meet you.Apply today and help create days filled with purpose, connection, growth, and possibility.LARC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing for illegal substances is required.Keywords: Direct Support Professional, DSP, Day Program, Day Services, DSO, CNA, PCA, caregiver, direct care, community support, community inclusion, human services, social services, disability services, I/DD, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, DDS, nonprofit, behavioral health, autism support, person-centered care, job coach, paraprofessional.