Direct Support Professional (Support Coach) - Supported Employment and Options

Horizons, Inc; South Windham (CT); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 4% employer match

Vision insurance

Pet insurance

Voluntary Life Insurance

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Short-Term Disability

Life Insurance

Job summary

Horizons is recruiting a Support Coach to provide one-on-one job coaching and employment support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Connecticut. You will help people gain confidence, master new skills, and thrive in inclusive community settings.

As a Support Coach, you will build real relationships, empower clients to achieve personal and professional goals, and work toward independence with dignity and respect.

Qualifications

• Be 21 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience (or approved equivalent).
• Ability to pass a criminal background and license check.
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds, assist with mobility, and respond to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct job coaching and employment support at job sites.
• Balance needs of the individual with employers' expectations with respect.
• Support individuals in working toward ISP-identified goals.
• Monitor performance and help individuals meet job responsibilities daily.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, prioritizing the individual’s voice and privacy.

Skills

Driver's license

Reliable transportation

Driving record check

CPR/First Aid

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Now Hiring: Support Coach ( Direct Support Professional – DSP | Supported Employment and Options)

Are you passionate about helping others succeed in the workplace and live full, meaningful lives? Horizons is hiring Support Coaches to provide one‑on‑one job coaching and employment support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this role, you’ll help people gain confidence, master new skills, and thrive in inclusive community settings.

For nearly 40 years, Horizons has fostered dignity, connection, and inclusion across Connecticut. As a Support Coach, you’ll build real relationships while empowering individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide direct job coaching and employment support, teaching and modeling tasks at job sites.
• Balance the needs of the individual with the expectations of employers, ensuring both are met with respect and accountability.
• Support individuals in working toward their personal goals as identified in their Individual Service Plan (ISP).
• Monitor performance and help individuals meet job responsibilities successfully each day.
• Administer medications according to physician’s orders and DDS guidelines.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, always centering the individual’s voice and privacy.
• Encourage independence while remaining responsive and compassionate during moments of challenge.
• Participate in training, complete documentation thoughtfully, and keep your manager informed of relevant developments.

Why This Role Matters:

Your guidance helps build confidence, skills, and purpose. Whether you're supporting someone through a new task or celebrating their on‑the‑job success, your work has a lasting impact—on individuals, families, and the greater community.

What You’ll Receive:

Starting Pay: $19.25-$20.25
Part‑Time Benefits:

• 401(k) with a 4% employer match
• Vision, Pet, and Voluntary Life Insurance

Full‑Time Benefits:

• All of the above, plus:
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Short‑Term Disability and Life Insurance

What You’ll Need:

• Be 21 years or older
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Connecticut driver’s license, reliable transportation, and an acceptable driving record
• At least 2 years of relevant experience (or approved equivalent)
• Ability to pass a criminal background and license check
• Physical ability to lift 50 pounds, assist with mobility, and respond to emergencies, including CPR/First Aid

Why Horizons?

Horizons is a deeply rooted, mission‑driven nonprofit committed to inclusion, creativity, and person‑centered support. From our beginnings as a summer camp to becoming a year‑round provider of Supported Employment, Living, and Educational Services, we support nearly 1,700 individuals annually—with heart and high expectations.

We believe in seeing possibility—where others might not—and in helping people achieve more than they thought possible.

www.horizonsct.org

A Note to Potential Applicants:

We know the strongest teams are built on diversity—of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Studies show that people from underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. If this role excites you, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t check every single box.

Your cover letter is a great place to share what draws you to this work and what you hope to contribute to the Horizons community. We’d love to hear from you.