Direct Support Professional

Oak Hill; Orange (CT); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Certifications

Career mobility

Paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Employee recognition

Job summary

Oak Hill in Orange, CT, is seeking compassionate caregivers to provide daily living support. The role includes personal care, health monitoring, and community integration, with a focus on dignity and independence.

Schedule is Friday through Monday, 32 hours per week, with a base rate of $20.39 per hour. Overtime eligible; paid training and certifications offered. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to empowering people with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to transport individuals in agency vehicles.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, fingerprinting, and pre-employment health screenings.
• Ability to complete required training programs and maintain necessary certifications.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and professional work environment in accordance with Oak Hill policies.
• Commitment to continuity of care, including an occasional need to stay beyond a scheduled shift until coverage is in place.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs, based on individual preferences and support plans.
• Provide assistance with continence care as needed.
• Encourage independence and skill development whenever possible.
• Monitor and documenting health-related information, including vital signs when required.
• Administer medications and maintaining accurate medication records in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.
• Follow individualized health care plans and supporting overall well-being.
• Transport individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations using agency vehicles.
• Encourage participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.
• Prepare meals and snacks according to menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences.
• Provide support during meals as needed.
• Assist individuals with mobility and transfers using approved techniques, adaptive equipment, lift systems, ramps, and wheelchair securement devices as required.
• Accurately document daily activities, health information, progress notes, incidents, and medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Follow all applicable Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements.
• Follow established emergency procedures and safety protocols. Implementing behavioral support strategies and documenting related activities.
• Apply trained intervention techniques and administering First Aid/CPR when required.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in required meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.

Skills

Driver's license

Background checks

Health screenings

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Location: Orange, CT

Weekly Hours: 32 Hrs/wk.

Weekly Schedule: Friday - Monday 7am-3pm

Compensation: $20.39/hour Base Rate – differential pay available (for specific schedules)

Note: Due to the specific needs of the individuals at this program, only female applicants can be considered at this time.

Union Position | Non-exempt | Overtime Eligible

What You’ll Do

Support Daily Living Activities

• Assist with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs, based on individual preferences and support plans.

• Provide assistance with continence care as needed.

• Encourage independence and skill development whenever possible.

Support Health and Wellness

• Assist with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs, based on individual preferences and support plans.

• Provide assistance with continence care as needed.

• Encourage independence Monitor and documenting health-related information, including vital signs when required.

• Administer medications and maintaining accurate medication records in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.

• Follow individualized health care plans and supporting overall well-being.

Promote Community Inclusion

• Transport individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations using agency vehicles.

• Encourage participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.

Assist with Nutrition and Mealtime Support

• Prepare meals and snacks according to menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences.

• Provide support during meals as needed.

Provide Physical Support

• Assist individuals with mobility and transfers using approved techniques, adaptive equipment, lift systems, ramps, and wheelchair securement devices as required.

Maintain Documentation and Compliance

• Accurately document daily activities, health information, progress notes, incidents, and medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).

• Follow all applicable Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements.

Respond to Emergencies and Behavioral Needs

• Follow established emergency procedures and safety protocols. Implementing behavioral support strategies and documenting related activities.

• Apply trained intervention techniques and administering First Aid/CPR when required.

Work as a Team

• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.

• Participate in required meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Valid driver's license with the ability to transport individuals in agency vehicles.

• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, fingerprinting, and pre-employment health screenings.

• Ability to complete required training programs and maintain necessary certifications.

• Commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and professional work environment in accordance with Oak Hill policies.

• Commitment to continuity of care, including an occasional need to stay beyond a scheduled shift until coverage is in place.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), caregiver, home health aide, behavioral health technician, or in a related human services role.

• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

No experience? No Problem! We provide paid training and support to help you succeed.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You…

Lead with Compassion - You build trust through patience, empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help others achieve their goals.

Adapt and Problem-Solve - You enjoy variety, remain flexible when situations change, and approach challenges with curiosity and a solutions-focused mindset.

Find Purpose in Helping Others - You are motivated by meaningful work and take pride in making a positive impact in someone's life every day.

Why Join Oak Hill?

For more than 130 years, Oak Hill has been empowering people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive. As Connecticut's largest private provider of services for people with disabilities, we are committed to creating opportunities for independence, inclusion, health, and dignity.

When you join Oak Hill, you'll enjoy:

• Paid training and certifications, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire.

• Career mobility opportunities after six months, including transfers and additional shift opportunities.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays.

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with an annual Oak Hill contribution equal to 9.5% of eligible gross earnings, regardless of employee contribution.

• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.

• Life insurance options, including employer-paid coverage.

• Tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities.

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs.

• A mission-driven culture where your work truly matters.

Join Oak Hill and make a meaningful difference every day