Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Allinc; Wallingford (CT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match

Generous Paid Time Off

Professional Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Aspire Living & Learning located in Wallingford, Connecticut, is seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide essential support to individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. The role includes assisting with daily activities like meal preparation and recreational activities while advocating for the needs of those served.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience with disabilities, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping others. We offer comprehensive health insurance, generous paid time off, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with disabilities strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Valid driver’s license required with at least 3 years of driving experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Assist with daily activities, including household chores and meal preparation.
• Represent needs and interests of individuals served in program planning.

Skills

Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities

Basic computer skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Empathy and enthusiasm

Passion for helping others

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Therap

Job description

At Aspire Living & Learning, we don't just talk about making an impact, we live it. For more than 40 years, we've supported neurodiverse children and adults across New England and Maryland as they discover their passions, unlock their potential, and live more independently in their communities. Our person‑centered services evolve with people's needs, from education and behavioral health to residential and community‑based supports. We empower people to live lives shaped by their own interests, choices, and strengths. Join our collaborative, mission‑driven team and bring your skills to work that makes a real difference every day.

Aspire Living & Learning is currently seeking a Direct Support Professional (DSP) to provide direct support to individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. The DSP will provide support with daily activities, including household chores, meal preparation, recreational activities, learning activities, and physical fitness activities. The DSP will represent the needs, wants, and interests of individuals served or supported by the program, and provide input on program planning and implementation for individuals.

Our ideal candidate

• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities in a professional setting strongly preferred.
• Basic computer skills, experience using Therap a plus!
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Empathy, enthusiasm, and a passion and dedication for helping others.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license required, with at least 3 years of driving experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance – Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options – Use pre‑tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON – Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match – A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities – Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer‑Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!

If you want to join us in making a difference and positively impact the lives of others while charting your own path of development, then we at the Aspire team would love to hear from you.

Starting pay is $18.35, with a pay increase upon medication certification.

Aspire Living & Learning believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women, LGBTQ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.