Direct Support Professional (Substitute) Waterbury, CT

Oak Harbor Freight Lines, Inc.; Waterbury (CT); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Employer-paid long-term disability

Life insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Career mobility opportunities

Recognition programs

Job summary

Oak Hill is seeking a Direct Support Professional to assist individuals in Waterbury, CT. You will help with daily living activities, health monitoring, medication assistance, and transportation to appointments and events.

A compassionate, patient, and team-oriented approach is essential to support independence and inclusion. The role involves documentation in the health record, adherence to policy, and participation in ongoing trainings.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED required; background checks and health screenings will be completed.
• Ability to transport individuals in agency vehicles and maintain certifications as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily living activities: personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene.
• Support health and wellness: monitor health information and document vital signs as needed; assist with medication administration.
• Provide transportation to appointments and community activities; promote inclusion and participation.
• Assist with nutrition and mealtime support per menus and dietary needs.
• Support mobility and transfers using approved techniques and equipment.
• Maintain documentation in the EHR; follow regulatory and agency requirements.
• Respond to emergencies; implement safety protocols and basic First Aid/CPR when required.
• Collaborate with team; participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development.

Skills

Compassionate care

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Background checks required

Pre-employment health screenings

Tools

Valid driver's license

Job description

Location:

Waterbury, CT

Schedule:

Oak Hill Substitutes work on a Per-Diem (as needed) basis. Substitute DSPs are required to work a minimum of 15 hours per month.

Compensation:

$20.39/hour (differentials available - based on assigned shift) Union Position | Overtime Eligible

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll support individuals in living healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives by:

Supporting Daily Living Activities

Assisting with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs, based on individual preferences and support plans.

Providing assistance with continence care as needed.

Encouraging independence and skill development whenever possible.

Supporting Health and Wellness

Monitoring and documenting health-related information, including vital signs when required.

Administering medications and maintaining accurate medication records in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.

Following individualized health care plans and supporting overall well-being.

Promoting Community Inclusion

Transporting individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations using agency vehicles.

Encouraging participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.

Assisting with Nutrition and Mealtime Support

Preparing meals and snacks according to menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences.

Providing support during meals as needed.

Providing Physical Support

Assisting individuals with mobility and transfers using approved techniques, adaptive equipment, lift systems, ramps, and wheelchair securement devices as required.

Maintaining Documentation and Compliance

Accurately documenting daily activities, health information, progress notes, incidents, and medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).

Following all applicable Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements.

Responding to Emergencies and Behavioral Needs

Following established emergency procedures and safety protocols.

Implementing behavioral support strategies and documenting related activities.

Applying trained intervention techniques and administering First Aid/CPR when required.

Working as a Team

Communicating effectively with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.

Participating in required meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to transport individuals in agency vehicles.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, fingerprinting, and pre-employment health screenings.
• Ability to complete required training programs and maintain necessary certifications.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and professional work environment in accordance with Oak Hill policies.
• Commitment to continuity of care, including an occasional need to stay beyond a scheduled shift until coverage is in place.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), caregiver, home health aide, behavioral health technician, or in a related human services role.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

No experience? We provide paid training and support to help you succeed.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You..

Lead with Compassion You build trust through patience, empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help others achieve their goals.

Adapt and Problem-Solve You enjoy variety, remain flexible when situations change, and approach challenges with curiosity and a solutions-focused mindset.

Find Purpose in Helping Others You are motivated by meaningful work and take pride in making a positive impact in someone's life every day.

Why Join Oak Hill?

For more than 130 years, Oak Hill has been empowering people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive. As Connecticut's largest private provider of services for people with disabilities, we are committed to creating opportunities for independence, inclusion, health, and dignity.

When you join Oak Hill, you'll enjoy:

• Paid training and certifications, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Career mobility opportunities after six months, including transfers and additional shift opportunities.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays.
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with an annual Oak Hill contribution equal to 9.5% of eligible gross earnings, regardless of employee contribution.
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance options, including employer-paid coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities.
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs.
• A mission-driven culture where your work truly matters

Oak Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and individuals we serve. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.