Direct Support Staff - Full time

Turnbridge Academy Overview; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Paid time off

401K

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Job summary

Turnbridge is seeking compassionate Direct Support Staff to assist adolescents and young adults facing substance use and mental health challenges. You will provide direct care, support treatment plans, and foster a safe, structured environment to promote recovery and growth.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, documenting progress, and collaborating with therapists, case managers, and program directors. A high school diploma and strong communication skills are required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in caregiving or direct support is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; related certifications are a plus.
• CPR and/or PMT certification highly preferred but not necessary.
• Must pass state and national background checks.
• Valid driver’s license for at least 3 years.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to handle difficult situations and remain calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and support to clients in extended care programs for adolescents and young adults.
• Offer emotional support and actively listen to clients, fostering a safe environment.
• Support treatment plans and monitor progress under therapists and program coordinators.
• Encourage participation in activities, group counseling, and life skills training.
• Help clients develop coping strategies, communication skills, and decision-making habits.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions per agency guidelines.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed to ensure safety.
• Build rapport with clients with a non-judgmental, empathetic approach.
• Promote a structured environment that supports recovery.

Skills

Compassionate demeanor

Strong communication

Team player

Calm under pressure

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certifications in psychology/social work a plus

Tools

CPR certification

PMT certification

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $18 USD to $20 USD. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.

Description

What We Offer:

At Turnbridge, we believe we offer career growth, training opportunities and a fun work environment. Turnbridge is not just a job but a lifestyle. You can build lasting relationships with both co‑workers and clients. If you are curious, open‑minded and care about helping people, then Turnbridge is the place for you.

• Competitive Pay: $18 to $20 per hour
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid time off
• 401K
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

All shifts are available and needed for the following programs: Young Women's, All Adolescent.

Shift Times:

• 8am to 4pm
• 4pm to 12am
• 12am to 8am
• For Men's Young Adults and Adolescent Boys:

First shift- Thursday- Monday and Friday -Tuesday

Second Shift- Thursday- Monday and Friday -Tuesday

Third Shift - Thursday- Monday and Friday -Tuesday

For Women's Young Adults and Adolescents girls:

Second shift- Tuesday - Saturday, Sunday- Thursday, Thursday- Monday and Friday -Tuesday

Third Shift- Tuesday - Saturday, Sunday- Thursday, Thursday- Monday and Friday -Tuesday

Schedules will include one weekend day and rotating holidays. Further information will be discussed in the interview process.

Job Description:

We are seeking compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking individuals to join our team as Direct Support Staff. The ideal candidate will work closely with adolescents and young adults facing substance abuse and mental health challenges, providing guidance, support, and a safe environment to encourage their recovery and personal growth. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team dedicated to helping young individuals achieve their fullest potential, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direct care and support to our clients in one of our extended care programs: adolescent, young men’s or young women’s.
• Offer emotional support and actively listen to clients, fostering a safe, trusting environment.
• Support treatment plans and monitor progress under the guidance and direction of therapists and program coordinators.
• Encourage and motivate clients to participate activities, group counseling, and life skills training.
• Help clients develop coping strategies, communication skills, and positive decision‑making habits to contribute to their everyday life.
• Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions, behaviors, and progress according to agency guidelines.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including program directors, therapists, and case managers, to ensure comprehensive care.
• Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation as needed, ensuring client safety and well‑being is all around the top priority.
• Ability to build rapport with clients and maintain a non‑judgmental, empathetic approach.
• Promote a positive, structured, and meaningful environment that supports recovery.

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in caregiving, direct support, or working with individuals facing mental health or substance abuse issues is preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent required; relevant certifications or college coursework in psychology, social work, or related fields is a plus
• CPR and/or PMT certification highly preferred but not necessary.
• Must be able to pass state and national background checks
• Valid drivers license for at least 3 years
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to handle difficult situations and remain calm under pressure.
• Team player mentality with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• This position requires the ability to regularly lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• This position requires extended periods of standing and walking as well as walking up and down flights of stairs.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group

Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Job Security

Inspired to perform well by the knowledge that your job is safe

Education

Required

High School or better.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.