Direct Support Professional

Oak-Hill; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

DDS Certification (90 days)

Career mobility

Paid time off

Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Long-term disability

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Recognition programs

Mission-driven culture

Job summary

Oak Hill is seeking a Direct Support Professional to help individuals live healthy, meaningful lives in our Connecticut program. You will support daily living activities, health and wellness, community inclusion, nutrition, mobility, and accurate documentation.

Requirements include being at least 18, a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, ability to pass background checks and health screenings, and willingness to complete required training.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with ability to transport individuals in agency vehicles.
• Ability to pass required background checks, fingerprinting, and health screenings.
• Ability to complete required training programs and maintain certifications.
• Commitment to a safe, healthy, professional work environment.
• Commitment to continuity of care, including occasional extended shifts.

Responsibilities

• As a Direct Support Professional, support individuals in daily living activities.
• Monitor health information, administer medications per guidelines.
• Transport individuals to appointments and community activities.
• Prepare meals and assist during meals.
• Assist with mobility and transfers using approved equipment.
• Document daily activities and medication administration in the EHR.
• Follow emergency procedures and safety protocols.
• Communicate effectively with team, individuals served, and families.

Skills

Driver's license

Background checks

Fingerprints

Health screenings

Training completion

Safety-first mindset

Team communication

Compassionate care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR)

Job description

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll support individuals in living healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives by:

Supporting Daily Living Activities

• Assisting with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs, based on individual preferences and support plans.
• Providing assistance with continence care as needed.
• Encouraging independence and skill development whenever possible.

Supporting Health & Wellness

• Monitoring and documenting health-related information, including vital signs when required.
• Administering medications and maintaining accurate medication records in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.
• Following individualized health care plans and supporting overall well-being.

Promoting Community Inclusion

• Transporting individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations using agency vehicles.
• Encouraging participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.

Assisting with Nutrition and Mealtime Support

• Preparing meals and snacks according to menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences.
• Providing support during meals as needed.

Providing Physical Support

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

Maintaining Documentation and Compliance

• Accurately documenting daily activities, health information, progress notes, incidents, and medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Following all applicable Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements.

Responding to Emergencies and Behavioral Needs

• Following established emergency procedures and safety protocols. Implementing behavioral support strategies and documenting related activities.
• Applying trained intervention techniques and administering First Aid/CPR when required.

Working as a Team

• Communicating effectively with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Participating in required meetings, trainings, 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? 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