Direct Support Professional

Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Hartford; Somers (CT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental and Vision insurance

Life and AD&D insurance

403(b) Plan with employer match

Training and development opportunities

Paid time off including holidays

EAP - confidential counseling

Job summary

Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Hartford is seeking dedicated staff to support individuals with developmental disabilities in daily living, planning meals, activities, and personal care. The role emphasizes respectful, compassionate interaction and teamwork with supervisors, nurses, and the residential team.

You will document progress, coordinate with medical appointments, and maintain confidentiality per HIPAA.

Qualifications

• High school diploma; AA/AS preferred.
• Must have CT DDS Medication Administration Certification or obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrates organizational ability and clear communication with individuals and team.
• Background checks required; CT driver's license with ≤2 violations in 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Treat individuals with respect, dignity and compassion at all times.
• Teach and support individuals to achieve meaningful goals with their Team.
• Plan, purchase and prepare meals per dietary needs.
• Plan and participate in leisure activities and new social opportunities.
• Assist with personal hygiene, transportation, and home upkeep.
• Document data relevant to programs, progress and barriers; maintain medical records.
• Report seizures or behavioral episodes to nursing and team; attend medical appointments.
• Complete required trainings and maintain medication administration certification.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational ability

Effective communication

Caring demeanor

Education

High school diploma

AA/AS preferred

Job description

GENERAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities include but is not limited to:

• Treat individuals with respect, dignity and compassion at all times.

Daily living:

Assist individuals with:

• Teach and support individuals in achieving their meaningful goals set forth by the individuals and their Team.
• Plan, purchase and prepare meals according to individual's dietary needs.
• Plan and participate in leisure time and recreational activities.
• New social opportunities/experiences to the individuals.
• Cope effectively with social, emotional and physical situations.
• Personal hygiene care and Transportation.
• Clean, maintain and participate in the upkeep of the home and properties.

Documentation / Communication:

• Documentation provided by staff is considered a legal document.
• Accumulate and record data relevant to behavioral programs, individual's progress, developmental needs and barriers impeding progress in Therapy.
• Identify and prioritize individuals' need.
• Complete comprehensive documentation.
• Reports seizures, behavioral episodes, other medically or emotionally related problems and forward to the residential manager, supervisor, nurse and team members.
• Medical Appointments.

Trainings:

• Attend, successfully complete and maintain all mandatory trainings/meetings required by DDS and the agency.
• Attendance and successful completion is mandatory for scheduled Medication Administration Certification.
• Yearly maintenance of Med Certification.

HIPAA:

• Maintain and safeguard individuals' private information. This includes but is not limited to diagnoses, health record, and program documentation.
• Complete any and all tasks related to work assigned by management individually or as a team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school Diploma with 2 years' experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. AA/AS preferred
• Must have CT DDS Medication Administration Certification or must be able to obtain CT DDS Medication Administration Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrates organizational ability, communicates effectively with individuals served and members of the team.
• Applicants will be subject to criminal and driving history background checks. Must have a valid Connecticut driver's license with no more than 2 violations in a three year period, subject to review. Drivers History completed annually.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Catholic Charities offers access to a comprehensive array of benefits, including:

• For Good Health: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance.
• For a Secure Future: Life, AD&D and Long-term disability insurance.
• For Retirement: 403(b) Plan, with employer matching contributions for eligible employees.
• For Career Advancement: Training and development opportunities.
• For Work Life Balance: Generous paid time off; including 14 paid holidays, vacation and sick time.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free and confidential counseling for employee and immediate family.

EEO Statement:

At Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Hartford, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.