IHS Direct Support Professional

United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT; Quaker Hill (CT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

403(B) matching

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

11 Paid Holidays

Job summary

United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT is seeking a Direct Support Professional to assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living independently and thriving in Groton, CT. The role runs Tue-Sat 11am-7pm in the In-Home Supports Program and focuses on person-centered care and advocacy.

Position requires a High School Diploma, reliable transportation, and ability to pass background checks; CPR/First Aid is preferred. Benefits include insurance, PTO, and holiday pay.

Qualifications

• Passion for person-centered, dignity-driven support for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Strong teaching/coaching skills; patient, encouraging, and strengths-based
• Excellent communication, documentation accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to collaborate with families, case managers, and colleagues
• Basic financial skills for budgeting and recordkeeping
• Reliability, sound judgment, and problem-solving in community settings
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation required
• Ability to pass background checks; CPR/First Aid
• Ability to perform the physical aspects of the role (e.g., accompanying clients in the community)

Responsibilities

• Person-centered support: implement and progress clients' individual goals
• Independent Living Skills: train in banking, budgeting, shopping, meal planning, household organization
• Transportation and Advocacy: accompany clients to medical appointments and community activities
• Team Collaboration: coordinate with IPs with clients, families, and case managers
• Financial Support: assist with finances and mandated records
• Confidentiality: protect PHI and maintain compliant records
• Other Duties: perform additional duties as assigned

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Documentation

Teamwork

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

CPR/First Aid

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Join our team as a Direct Support Professional and play a vital role in empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live fulfilling, independent lives. We are looking for compassionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to helping others achieve their goals, build meaningful connections, and thrive in their communities. If you’re ready to create a positive impact and be part of a supportive, purpose-driven team, this opportunity is for you!

About this Position:

Join our team supporting adults with intellectual disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities. United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern CT In-Home Supports Program located in Groton, CT. Here we provide a safe, person-centered environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This is a full time position with hours Tuesday-Saturday 11am-7pm.

Essential Functions:

Person-centered support: Ensure clients’ individual goals are implemented and progressed using teaching, encouragement, and coaching.

Independent Living Skills: Train and support in banking, budgeting, shopping, meal planning, household organization, and community safety.

Transportation and Advocacy: Provide transportation and transportation training; accompany and advocate for clients at medical appointments and during community, recreation, and leisure activities—always fostering independence and personal growth.

Team Collaboration: Work closely with clients, family members, case managers, and other team members to align supports with each Individual Plan (IP).

Financial Support: Assist clients with finances as identified in the IP; complete mandated financial records and entitlement reports (SSI/DSS).

Confidentiality: Ensure the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) in all documentation, information sharing, and discussions; maintain records in strict compliance with agency policies.

Other Duties: Perform all other related duties as assigned.

What you bring:

Passion for person-centered, dignity-driven support for individuals with intellectual disabilities

Strong teaching/coaching skills; patient, encouraging, and strengths-based

Excellent communication, documentation accuracy, and attention to detail

Ability to collaborate with families, case managers, and colleagues

Basic financial skills for budgeting and recordkeeping

Reliability, sound judgment, and problem-solving in community settings

Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation required

Ability to pass background checks; CPR/First Aid

Ability to perform the physical aspects of the role (e.g., accompanying clients in the community)

• Ongoing training provided!
• Competitive pay, with pay increases annually
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility

Requirements:

• Current driver’s license, auto insurance & clean driving record
• Ability to pass a background check
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Education & Experience:

• High School Diploma (required)
• Six months to two years related experience (desired but not required)

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. From time to time other duties may be assigned.

Job Type:

Full-time

• 403(B) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Working with people with developmental disabilities: 1 year (Preferred)