Direct Care Professional

NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

3-6 weeks’ vacation, 7 sick days and 5

11 paid holidays

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

403b retirement plan

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

NAFI Connecticut is seeking Direct Care Staff for our residential group home in Waterbury, CT. You will support residents with daily living, provide supervision, and help with recreation and community integration.

The role emphasizes personal growth, safety, and independence, with staff on-site 24/7. You will document progress, follow behavior support plans, and participate in training to maintain up-to-date certifications.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid Driver's License required.
• Experience with DD/ID or Behavioral Health populations.
• Experience in group homes, hospitals, human services, or behavioral health settings.
• CNA or PCA experience preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building trust.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Basic computer skills for documentation.
• CPR/First Aid certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support Personal Growth: Assess client skills and provide counseling on independent living, coping strategies, and pro-social behaviors using behavior support plans.
• Guide and Inspire: Offer coaching on interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and managing peer pressure, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Be a Role Model: Lead by example, demonstrate professionalism and positivity both in the community and within the organization.
• Provide Essential Care: Assist clients with daily living activities, prepare meals, and provide safe transportation as needed.
• Document Progress: Record client interactions and behavioral observations after each shift to ensure quality care.
• Stay Prepared: Participate in training sessions, team meetings, and maintain up-to-date certifications.
• Handle Challenges Confidently: Use crisis prevention, de-escalation techniques, and physical management when necessary and permitted.

Skills

Valid Driver's License

Communication skills

Boundaries

Time management

Adaptability

Basic computer skills

CPR/First Aid

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

NAFI Connecticut provides programs, consultation, and support services in a variety of settings across Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island. We work with adults, children, and families to increase communication and social skills, improve relationships, increase circles of support, and provide therapeutic services based on best-practice research. We believe that people can change, and we work to empower each individual in their own care.

We are currently seeking Direct Care Stafffor our residential group home. Highly trained staff are available 24/7 to assist residents with household management, activities of daily living, recreation, leisure planning, employment opportunities, and safety skills. The program prides itself on promoting personal growth, maximizing each individual's level of independence, and fostering community integration.

Responsibilities Include:

• Support Personal Growth: Assess client skills and provide counseling on independent living, coping strategies, and pro-social behaviors using behavior support plans
• Guide and Inspire: Offer coaching on interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and managing peer pressure, while maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Be a Role Model: Lead by example, demonstrate professionalism and positivity both in the community and within the organization
• Provide Essential Care: Assist clients with daily living activities, prepare meals, and provide safe transportation as needed
• Document Progress: Record client interactions and behavioral observations after each shift to ensure quality care
• Stay Prepared: Participate in training sessions, team meetings, and maintain up-to-date certifications
• Handle Challenges Confidently: Use crisis prevention, de-escalation techniques, and physical management when necessary and permitted

Our Exceptional Benefits:

• Generous paid time off
• 3-6 weeks’ vacation, 7 sick days and 11 paid holidays each year

Employee Health and Wellness:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage (Reimbursements for fitness, weight loss, holistic health programs)
• No cost employee assistance program
• Voluntary employee focused wellness programs

Retirement and financial Planning:

• Company matching 403b and no cost retirement consulting
• Company paid for life Insurance and long-term disability
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Insurance including accident, hospital indemnity, supplemental Life
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement: Includes licensure fees, professional memberships

and much more!

Desired Qualifications/Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Valid Driver's License (required)
• Experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD), Intellectual Disabilities, or Behavioral Health populations
• Prior experience in group homes, hospitals, human services, or behavioral health settings
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Personal Care Assistant (PCA) experience (preferred but not required)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, families, and team members
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building trust and rapport with clients
• Organizational and time management skills to handle documentation and daily responsibilities effectively
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the unique needs of each client
• Basic computer skills for completing documentation and reports
• CPR, First Aid, or other relevant certifications (preferred)

Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination Statement:

NAFI Connecticut, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state or local protected class. Inclusivity and removing barriers are important to us. We are passionate about instilling a sense of belonging, celebrating diverse perspectives, and offering equal opportunities for employees to contribute and grow. We encourage members of underrepresented or marginalized communities and all those that share in these beliefs to apply.

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