Direct Support Professional (503-11)

Whole Life; Merrow (CT); On-site; USD 31,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid orientation

Paid time off

Paid training

401K

Healthcare Pension

Job summary

Whole Life is seeking compassionate Direct Support Professionals to join our team. DSPs provide person-centered care to individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities, supporting activities of daily living, promoting independence, and encouraging community participation.

The role emphasizes building trust with clients and families, ensuring safety and dignity, helping with daily tasks such as shopping, cooking, and light cleaning, and collaborating with managers and

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• Driver''s license and identity docs required.
• Background checks and medical clearances required.
• Ability to stand, move, twist, bend, kneel, reach, lift up to 100 lbs in some positions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and meal preparation.
• Administer medications, monitor vital signs, and support medical appointments.
• Ensure a clean, safe living environment through light housekeeping and laundry.
• Engage clients in social activities, community outings, and choice-making to promote independence.
• Use mobility equipment (e.g., Hoyer lifts) with proper techniques.
• Document daily activities, observations, and incidents accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA regulations.
• Implement individualized care plans

Skills

Observation

Communication

Documentation

First Aid/CPR

Education

High School diploma / GED

Job description

Direct Support Professional (503-11)

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Manual Labor Tolland, CT, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1433

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• PROOF a High School diploma/ Transcripts/ GED equivalent.
• PROOF a valid driver's license and a social security card, birth certificate, or passport.
• All employees must pass a Background Check, DSS Abuse Registry Check, have a safe driving record. Post-hire, employees must pass a "Fit for Duty" physical and tuberculosis test within 30 days of hire.
• Must be able to stand, move, twist, bend, kneel, reach, lift, and walk for the majority of your shift. Some positions require occasionally lifting up to 100lbs unassisted.
• Must be able to document care given in English, and speak English with enough consistency to communicate with clients and co-workers verbally and written.

Preferred

• 1+ year experience in group homes, assisted living, or direct support
• First Aid/CPR certification (willing to train)
• Medication Administration Certification (wiling to train)
• Experience with developmental disabilities, autism, TBI, Alzheimer's, dementia, or memory care
• Strong observation, communication, and documentation skills
• Positions require varying degrees of physical labor

Being a Direct Support Professional

Whole Life is seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Support Professionals to join our team! DSP's are a vital component in providing comprehensive and individualized person-centered care to individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities. This rewarding position focuses on enhancing the quality of life for our clients by supporting their activities of daily living (ADL's), promoting independence, and encouraging community integration. The role requires building trusting relationships with clients and their families, ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being at all times. We help them maintain jobs, encourage community and recreational activities, and assist in daily functions such as grocery shopping, cooking, and light cleaning. We allow the people we serve to live better lives full of things to look forward to, personal choice, and pride. The Direct Support Professional collaborates closely with managers, providers and family members to effectively and consistently implement personalized care plans while contributing to client empowerment by assisting in the achievement of personal goals, leading to enriching and fulfilling lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and meal preparation
• Administer medications, monitor vital signs, and support medical appointments
• Ensure a clean, safe living environment through light housekeeping and laundry
• Engage clients in social activities, community outings, and choice-making to promote independence
• Use mobility equipment (e.g., Hoyer lifts) with proper techniques
• Document daily activities, observations, and incidents accurately.
• Maintain confidentiality per HIPAA regulations.
• Implement individualized care plans

About Whole Life

For nearly 40 years, Whole Life has proudly served as a non-profit resource, support network, and lifeline for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Connecticut. Today, with 31 homes and programs statewide, our mission remains rooted in person-centered care—empowering each individual to build the supports they need to live a meaningful, fulfilling life where their hopes and dreams are truly within reach.

Dental insurance* | Health insurance* | Paid orientation | Paid time off* | Paid training | 401K | Healthcare Pension

* - Depends on Employment Classification and ACA Eligibility

Notes: All Whole Life DSP Positions are covered by a Healthcare Union. All DSP Positions will receive CPR and PMT certifications through Whole Life upon attendance of Orientation. Within 6 months of hire, all employees are required to have obtained their Medication Administration Certification through DSS, sponsored by Whole Life. All Whole Life Employees are subject to a 6-month probationary period, including a probationary starting salary. The completion of probation comes with a salary increase and more flexibility of use regarding Sick time, PTO, leave requests, transfers, etc.

Weekly Hours: 35
Weekly Schedule:
Friday - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday - OFF
Sunday - OFF
Monday - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM