Developmental Services Worker 1 (35 Hour Entry Level)

State of Connecticut - DDS North Region; Killingly (CT); On-site; USD 16,531 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The State of Connecticut - DDS North Region is hiring Seasonal Developmental Services Workers at Camp Harkness and Camp Quinebaug. These roles involve leading activities and providing support to individuals with disabilities in a fun, engaging environment. Candidates must hold valid certifications and be willing to work outdoors.

Positions will last through summer, ensuring a fulfilling experience for campers while fostering inclusivity and teamwork among staff.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old and ready to commit to the full season.
• Hold a valid Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard certification, including CPR and First Aid.
• Experience working with people with disabilities or in a camp setting.
• Ability to meet physical demands of the role.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential support in the overall operation and program activities of the camp.
• Assist individuals with disabilities in enjoying their camp experience.
• Supervise and lead recreational activities.
• Maintain the camp facilities and grounds.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Ability to work outdoors

Education

Valid driver's license

Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard certification

Job description

Introduction

Ready for a Fun‑Filled Summer? Join Our Team! Experience an unforgettable adventure this season with the State of Connecticut!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is hiring Seasonal Developmental Services Worker 1 – Assistant Directors and Directors at Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT, and Camp Quinebaug in Killingly, CT. If you’re passionate about making a difference, leading activities, and ensuring a positive camp experience, this is the perfect opportunity for you! These are seasonal positions, and DDS permanent employees will not be considered. Applicants must complete all required DDS training before starting, and all certifications must remain valid for the entire work period. Additionally, candidates must pass a pre‑employment physical exam.

Camp Harkness, Waterford, CT

• Assistant Director (PT, 1st Shift, PCN 142014) – Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Assistant Director (PT, 2nd Shift, PCN 142015) – Tuesday, Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday: 2:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Assistant Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 142016) – Sunday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Assistant Director (FT, 2nd Shift, PCN 142017) – Monday–Wednesday, Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Boating Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 142018) – Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Waterfront Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 142025) – Sunday–Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Horticultural Activities Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 116156) – Tuesday–Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

All positions at Camp Harkness are durational and will end no later than November 12, 2026.

Camp Quinebaug, Killingly, CT

• Camp Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141960) – Monday–Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Assistant Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141961) – Monday–Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Boating Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141962) – Monday–Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
• Waterfront Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141963) – Monday–Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

All positions at Camp Quinebaug are durational and will end no later than August 6, 2026.

What We Do Together

Provide essential support in the overall operation and program activities of the camp. Assist individuals with disabilities in fully enjoying their camp experience. Supervise and lead recreational activities, ensuring a safe and engaging environment. Maintain the camp facilities and grounds to build an inviting atmosphere. Work alongside a dedicated team to deliver outstanding experiences for campers and their families.

Picture This

Every day will be a chance to create meaningful experiences and contribute to an inclusive and fun‑filled environment.

What We Are Looking For

We seek individuals who bring energy, leadership, and dependability to our team.

Here’s what it takes to join us:

• You are at least 18 years old as of May 15, 2026 and ready to commit to the full season.
• You hold a valid Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard certification, including CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid, and the certifications must be valid for the entire season.
• You possess a valid driver’s license and can perform emergency first aid when needed.
• You are able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and meet the physical demands of the role.
• Experience working with people with disabilities or in a camp, park, or recreational setting is preferred.

About Us

DDS partners with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.

Purpose of Job Class (Nature of Work)

In the Department of Developmental Services this class is accountable for acting as part of a team in an intensive programming effort designed for the care, guidance, supervision and training of individuals.

Examples of Duties

• Receives training in, then independently implements, policies and procedures designed to achieve objectives of a program for individuals with an intellectual disability.
• Provides assistance and instruction to individuals in activities of daily living; participates in therapeutic programs for development of individuals capabilities.
• Provides guidance and instruction to individuals in development of desirable personal habits, hygiene and social relationships.
• Implements individual program plans.
• Participates in preparation, serving and feeding of meals.
• Performs housekeeping duties necessary to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
• Participates in social and recreational activities.
• Reinforces appropriate individual behavior through modification techniques.
• May administer selected oral medications with appropriate training.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

• Considerable interpersonal skills.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop a positive relationship with individuals.
• Train individuals in self‑care habits, personal hygiene and proper social conduct.
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and/or training that could be expected to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working or volunteering with people with disabilities.
• Experience working in a camp, park, or other recreational setting.

Special Requirements

• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain their Medication Certification as defined by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing Declaratory Ruling – Delegation by Licensed Nurses to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel, when working in a location that does not have 24‑hour nursing care.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s license, Public Passenger Endorsement or Commercial Driver’s license for designated positions.
• Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Physical Requirements

Incumbents in this class must possess physical and emotional health for efficient performance of duties; a physical examination may be required.

Working Conditions

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have significant exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; may be exposed to strongly disagreeable conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

Acknowledgement

As defined by Sec. 5‑196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.