Direct Support Professional I - FT 40hrs - Tues-Sat - 3p-11p - Heathridge

Continuum of Care; Hamden (CT); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 27,552,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Wages

401(k) with company match up to 3.5%

Medical, Dental and Vision

FSA and Dependent Care Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Life, AD&D and LTD

Colonial Supplemental Insurance

Vacation, PTO & Sick time

Connecticut Paid Sick Time

Double Time on Holidays

Job summary

The Direct Support Professional role at Continuum of Care in Connecticut focuses on enabling individuals with intellectual disabilities to live independently with dignity. DSPs provide hands-on support for daily living, personal care, and community participation, following individualized plans and documenting progress in electronic systems.

Weekend shifts include a $1/hour differential. The position requires a HS diploma or higher, a CT driver’s license, CPR/First Aid, PMT, and other

Qualifications

• HS diploma or equivalent with relevant human services experience.
• CT driver’s license with clean driving record.
• DSP certification preferred.
• CPR & First Aid, PMT, and DDS/CoC certifications completed.
• Computer skills to navigate electronic records and documentation.
• Evening, weekend, and overnight availability.

Responsibilities

• Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with individuals.
• Provides face-to-face hands-on support for ADL and personal care.
• Delivers services per individual plan and positive behavioral programming.
• Encourages social and community involvement while ensuring safety.
• Provides companionship and problem-solving discussions.
• Supports medical, dental, and other appointments and transports.
• Inputs data in Therap or similar systems; documents daily needs.
• Attends staff and other meetings; completes assigned tasks.

Job description

Weekend shift differential of $1 dollar more an hour. Scope of Service:

The Direct Support Professional is responsible for a variety of duties related to the overall care of individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, enabling each person to live a valued and meaningful life. Support and care shall be delivered in the most respectful and dignified manner. The DSP assists each individual to live in a home of their own, develop and support reciprocal relationships, and become part of their community. The DSP supports individuals to learn and enhance activities of daily living, fosters involvement in social and community activities and supports personal care needs as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Client Care

• Establishes rapport and positive working relationships with individuals while maintaining professional ethical standards and boundaries.
• Demonstrates sensitivity and commitment to individuals, treating each person with respect and dignity.
• Provides face‑to‑face hands‑on support enabling individuals to maintain living in their apartment/home, including activities of daily living, personal care, and other activities which promote healthy living.
• Delivers services in accordance with individual plan and positive behavioral programming, as applicable.
• Encourages the use of natural supports and fosters involvement in social and community activities while maintaining personal safety.
• Provides supportive companionship and problem‑solving‑oriented discussions.
• Supports individuals to engage in routine medical, psychological, dental appointments, personal business, and other appointments as identified.
• Provides individuals access to community resources through transportation.
• Provides input in Individual Plan development supporting individuals to achieve aspirations and goals.
• Works with community providers for quality care of individuals.
• Responsible for assigned data input with Therap or designated electronic systems.
• Tracks and reports daily data for identified IP teaching, ADL strategies, behavioral, and medical needs.
• Attends and participates in staff and other designated meetings.
• Completes other client care tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Associates preferred. High School Diploma or equivalent considered with relevant experience in a related human service field.
• Valid Connecticut Driver’s license with clean driving record is required.
• Certification as a Direct Support Professional preferred.
• Completion of certifications of CPR & First Aid, PMT, and all others required through DDS and CoC.
• Computer skills required to navigate agency electronic record, access email, and complete documentation.
• Available to work evenings, weekends, and overnights as required.

Company Benefits Include

• Competitive Wages
• 401(k) with company match up to 3.5%
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• FSA and Dependent Care Accounts
• Company Sponsored Employee Assistance Program
• Company Sponsored Life, AD&D and LTD
• Colonial Supplemental Insurance
• Vacation, PTO & Sick time for eligible FT 40 & PT (2039 hour) employees.
• Connecticut Paid Sick Time for all employees up to 40 hours a year.
• 12 Company Holidays Paid at Double Time (hourly employees)