Direct Support Professional (DSP) In Home Supports

The Arc Of Litchfield County; Torrington (CT); On-site; USD 26,174 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

3 Weeks Vacation in Your First Year

Flexible shifts

Job summary

The Arc of Litchfield County, Inc. (LARC) is seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our Independent Housing Support Program in Torrington, CT. You will provide individualized in-home support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them live safely and independently in the community.

Starting pay is $19.20 per hour with comprehensive benefits and vacation time. You will work one-on-one with clients, supporting meals, chores, errands, fitness activities, and daily

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid CT driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness to complete background checks and a physical.
• Flexibility to work multiple shifts and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one in-home support to adults with I/DD.
• Help with meal planning and preparation, chores, and errands.
• Assist with grocery shopping, fitness routines, and recreation.
• Support daily living skills with a strengths-based approach.
• Maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and person-centered care.

Skills

Compassionate

Reliability

Teamwork

Valid CT driver's license

Basic computer skills

Education

HS diploma or GED

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: EntryJob Location: Riverfront IHS - Torrington, CT 06790Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time/Per DiemSalary Range: $19.20 HourlyTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: All Shifts 1st,2nd,3rdDirect Support Professionals – In-Home SupportsStarting Pay: $19.20/hour Outstanding Benefits 3 Weeks Vacation in Your First Year

The Arc of Litchfield County, Inc. (LARC) is looking for warm, reliable, and self-motivated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our Independent Housing Support Program. If you’re the kind of person who brings both heart and initiative to your work, this role invites you to make a meaningful impact every day.

Make Independence Possible

In this unique in-home support role, you’ll work one-on-one with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), helping them live safely, confidently, and independently in the community. This is a great fit if you enjoy working autonomously, building trusting relationships, and bringing creativity to everyday routines.

What You’ll Do

You’ll provide individualized support based on each person’s goals and daily needs, including:

• Meal preparation and healthy menu planning
• Assisting with household chores and organization
• Grocery shopping and errands
• Supporting fitness routines (e.g., taking individuals to the gym)
• Engaging in recreational activities of their choice
• Encouraging and teaching daily living skills
• Offering consistent, compassionate support with a strengths-based mindset

This position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining professionalism, sound judgment, and a respectful, person-centered approach.

What You Need to Bring

• Must be at least 21 years old
• Valid CT driver’s license with a clean driving record
• High school diploma or GED
• Willingness to complete required background checks and a physical
• Ability to work flexible hours, including multiple shifts and weekends

Preferred (but not required):

• CPR, First Aid, PMT, and Medication Administration certification
• Experience with Therap and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)

Why You’ll Love Working at LARC

• Excellent Health Insurance: Employee premiums as low as $15.19 per week
• Generous Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of vacation your first year
• Flexibility: A variety of shifts available
• Professional Growth: Paid training and development opportunities
• Community & Belonging: A supportive, inclusive environment rooted in dignity and respect

Ready to Make a Real Difference?

Working in in-home supports means helping someone shape their best life — and watching your own skills and confidence grow along the way. If you bring compassion, reliability, and a positive spirit, we’ll provide the training, support, and community to help you thrive.

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

What You’ll Bring

• A positive attitude, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others.
• A high school diploma or GED.
• At least 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness to complete background checks and physical.
• Basic computer skills and a commitment to teamwork.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is an active, hands‑on role that requires both physical and emotional energy. Each day can look a little different, but every task contributes to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for the people you support.

• Stay active and engaged: DSPs spend much of their day on their feet — walking, standing, and moving throughout residential homes, program sites, or the community. You may assist with household chores, accompany individuals on walks or recreational activities, and provide transportation to appointments or outings.
• Safely assist individuals: You may need to lift or transfer individuals, push wheelchairs, or assist with mobility equipment. This role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds (or ¼ of your body weight) and to support another person safely during transfers or emergencies.
• Move with flexibility: You’ll frequently bend, squat, kneel, climb stairs, and reach to provide care, assist with dressing, prepare meals, or participate in activities.
• Respond quickly and calmly: Occasionally, you may need to move quickly — whether redirecting a situation, helping someone who’s unsteady, or intervening in an emergency.
• Communicate and document effectively: Clear speech, hearing, reading, writing, and basic computer skills are essential to communicate with individuals, colleagues, and supervisors, and to accurately complete documentation and reports.
• Maintain stamina and focus: DSPs must have sufficient endurance to perform their duties for extended periods — staying alert, supportive, and responsive throughout the shift.
• Drive safely: Many DSPs transport individuals using agency or personal vehicles, requiring a valid driver’s license, safe driving history, and comfort navigating local routes.
• Work in varied environments: You’ll work indoors and outdoors, in residential and community settings. Conditions may include household environments, exposure to cleaning products, or occasional outdoor activities in variable weather.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified candidates with disabilities.

LARC provides comprehensive training on all safety and lifting procedures to help protect both you and the individuals you serve.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

LARC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a drug‑free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing for illegal substances is required.