Direct Support Professional - Day Program Weekdays Shift

Arc of Greater New Haven, Inc.; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Arc of Greater New Haven, Inc. in Hamden, CT, is seeking a Day Program Specialist/Direct Support Professional to support adults with IDD in a compassionate, community-based setting.

This part-time role features weekday hours, meaningful activities, and the chance to make a real difference. You’ll assist with daily routines, participate in community outings, and support independence while documenting progress and ensuring safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Connecticut driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Willing to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED and Medication Administration certifications.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Cheer participants on as they master new skills or goals.
• Engage in community outings and activities to enrich lives.
• Support independence with meals, personal care, and mobility with dignity.
• Lead engaging activities aligned with each person’s program plan.
• Ensure safety and drive participants in agency vehicles.
• Document progress in agency systems.

Skills

Compassion

Teamwork

Communication

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Day Program Specialist / Direct Support Professional

Hamden, CT | Part-Time | Monday–Friday, Several Shifts Available: 930a- 245p, 900a-245p, or 845a-230p

Your weekdays, your weekends, your purpose.

Want work that matters and a schedule that fits your life? Join ARC as a Day Program Specialist and spend your days helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) learn, connect, explore, and grow. You'll be home before dinner, with nights and weekends all yours.

What a Day Looks Like

• Cheering someone on as they master a new skill or reach a personal goal
• Getting out in the community on outings, events, and activities that make life fuller
• Supporting independence with daily routines like meals, personal care, and mobility, always with dignity and respect
• Leading engaging activities built around each person's individual program plan
• Keeping everyone safe, including driving participants in agency vehicles and responding calmly when situations arise
• Documenting progress using our agency systems

Why You'll Love It Here

• A schedule that works: Part-time, Monday–Friday, Shifts vary between 845a-245p. No nights, no weekends, no holidays-on-call.
• Work you can feel good about: See the difference you make in someone's life every day.
• A team that has your back: Collaborative, supportive coworkers who share your mission.
• Training provided: We'll help you obtain CPR, First Aid, AED, PMT and Medication Administration certifications if required.
• A great start in human services: No prior experience is needed to begin building a meaningful career.

You Might Be a Great Fit If You:

• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Hold a valid Connecticut driver's license with a clean driving record
• Are willing to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED, and Medication Administration certifications
• Communicate well and enjoy working as part of a team
• Are comfortable using computers and basic software
• Are patient, compassionate, and dependable

Experience matters, but heart matters more. If you care about people, we want to hear from you.

What to Expect Physically

This is an active, hands-on role. You'll regularly:

• Assist with lifting, transfers, personal care, and mobility support
• Stand, walk, bend, and reach throughout the day
• Join community outings and events with participants
• Drive agency vehicles
• Work in settings with varying noise levels
• Follow safety, sanitation, and infection control protocols

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're compassionate, dependable, and ready to help others live full, meaningful lives, we can't wait to meet you.

ARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is at-will, in accordance with organizational policy.