Lead Day Program Support Staff

CW Resources; Bristol (CT); On-site; USD 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

CW Resources in Bristol, CT, is seeking a Day Service Option (DSO) Lead to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will guide a team of Direct Support Professionals and facilitate meaningful community activities.

The role emphasizes person-centered planning, safety, documentation, and transportation responsibilities to help participants achieve personal goals and strengthen independence.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• At least two years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities or similar populations.
• Knowledge of person-centered practices and rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of workplace safety and emergency procedures.
• Proficiency with computers for documentation and scheduling.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record for transportation responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving personal goals and participating in meaningful community experiences.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate engaging activities, outings, and recreation that promote independence and social engagement.
• Serve as a lead resource for DSPs by providing day-to-day guidance, mentoring, training, and support.
• Foster a welcoming, person-centered environment where participants feel respected and empowered to make choices.
• Encourage self-advocacy, confidence, and independence for participants and their goals.
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, guardians, case managers, and community partners.
• Observe participant progress, provide feedback, and share recommendations to improve services.
• Ensure accurate documentation including attendance, progress notes, and incident reports.
• Assist with participant transportation and safe access to community activities and appointments.
• Respond professionally to emergencies and challenging situations ensuring participant health and safety.

Skills

Diploma required

Experience with disabilities

Person-centered practice

Safety procedures

Computers & documentation

Driver's license

Transportation of participants

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

CW's Core Values: Mission Driven, Teamwork Makes Us Stronger, & Everyone Brings Value!

Copy and paste this link to watch and learn more about our Direct Support Professional position: https://tinyurl.com/3thphcd4

• Day Program Location: Bristol, CT
• Shift: Monday through Friday 7:45am-3:45pm
• Pay: $22.00/hour - weekly pay periods

Looking for a job that's meaningful, engaging, and never boring?

At CW, we're more than a day program. We help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, connect with their communities, and pursue the lives they want to live. As our Day Service Option (DSO) Lead, you'll spend your days supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they learn new skills, explore their communities, build relationships, and achieve personal goals.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving personal goals, developing new skills, and participating in meaningful community experiences.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate engaging activities, volunteer opportunities, community outings, and recreational experiences that promote independence, social engagement, and personal growth.
• Serve as a lead resource for Direct Support Professionals by providing day-to-day guidance, mentoring, training, and support.
• Foster a welcoming, and person-centered environment where participants feel respected, valued, and empowered to make choices about their lives.
• Encourage self-advocacy, confidence, and independence while supporting participants in pursuing their interests and goals.
• Build positive relationships with participants, families, guardians, case managers, community partners, and team members to support quality services and successful outcomes.
• Observe participant progress, provide feedback, and share recommendations that help enhance services and improve participant experiences.
• Ensure accurate documentation, including attendance, progress notes, incident reports, and other required records.
• Assist with participant transportation and support individuals in safely accessing community activities, appointments, volunteer opportunities, and recreational events.
• Respond appropriately and professionally to emergencies, behavioral incidents, and challenging situations while ensuring participant health and safety.

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• At least two (2) years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, or similar populations.
• Knowledge of person-centered practices, positive behavior support strategies, DDS regulations, HIPAA requirements, confidentiality standards, and the rights of individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices, emergency response procedures, and de-escalation techniques.
• Proficiency in using computers and electronic systems for documentation, communication, scheduling, and reporting.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and a valid Real ID or other approved identification required for transportation responsibilities.
• Ability to safely transport participants and travel between program locations as needed.

Bonus If You Have These Skills:

• Associate's degree in Education, Human Services, Rehabilitation, or a related field.
• Current CNA, CPR, First Aid, Medication Administration, PMT, Safety Care, or other related certifications.
• Experience as a Lead DSP, Senior DSP, Mentor, Trainer, Team Lead, or in a similar role supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Experience facilitating community-based programs, recreational activities, and skill-building opportunities.
• Knowledge of person-centered planning, Individual Plans (IPs), outcome-based service delivery, and behavioral support principles.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, mentor staff, and collaborate effectively with participants, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and documentation skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond effectively to emergencies, behavioral incidents, and other challenging situations.

Why CW:

At CW, you're more than a job title. You're part of a team that:

• Celebrating successes together
• Supports one another through challenges
• Encourages professional growth and development
• Values creativity, compassion, and innovation
• Believe meaningful work should also be meaningful for employees

We know the best services happen when passionate people feel supported, appreciated, and empowered to do their best work.

Why You'll Love This Job:

• You'll be a part of a mission-driven team that values your hard work and helps you grow.
• Access to an EAP and Employee Wellness Coordinator and robust wellness program that support your health and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for advancement-grow your career with us!

Explore Our Generous Benefits Package:

• Employer Sponsored Benefits Includes:
  • Insurance - Medical & Dental, Vision
  • Telemedicine
  • Retirement Plan & Match Options
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance - Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Group Term Life
  • Paid Holidays & Vacation
  • Sick & Personal Time
• Voluntary Benefits Offered Includes:
  • Hospital Indemnity, Accident, Critical Illness & Voluntary Life

Physical & Environmental Demands:

• Physical Strength and Mobility: Must be able to safely lift, move, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds independently and provide physical assistance to individuals with varying levels of mobility. This may include assisting with standing, walking, repositioning, transfers, wheelchair mobility, and supporting participants during daily activities and community outings.
• Frequent Physical Activity: Position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, crouching, twisting, and climbing stairs throughout the workday. The employee must be able to actively participate in program activities and provide continuous support to participants in both facility and community settings.
• Manual Dexterity and Coordination: Requires the ability to perform tasks requiring fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and repetitive hand movements. Duties may include assisting with activities of daily living, operating adaptive equipment, preparing activity materials, administering approved supports, utilizing communication devices, and completing written and electronic documentation.
• Behavioral and Crisis Intervention Support: May be required to respond to behavioral challenges, emotional distress, or emergency situations involving participants. The position requires the ability to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, implement approved behavior support strategies, and utilize agency-approved de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques while maintaining a safe environment.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in a combination of program facilities, community-based locations, participant work sites, vehicles, and outdoor environments. Environmental conditions may vary depending on participant activities and program operations.
• Transportation and Travel: Must be able to safely operate agency vehicles and travel locally as needed to transport participants and support community-based activities. Responsibilities include assisting participants with safely entering and exiting vehicles, securing mobility devices when applicable, and ensuring compliance with all transportation safety procedures.
• Community and Outdoor Activities: Regular participation in community integration activities is required. Employees may be exposed to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and humidity, while supporting participants in community settings such as parks, recreational facilities, shopping centers, volunteer sites, medical appointments, educational programs, and employment locations.
• Sensory and Environmental Conditions: Must be able to work effectively in environments with varying levels of noise, odors, lighting, visual distractions, and other sensory stimuli. The ability to remain attentive and engaged while supporting participants in diverse settings is essential.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations may be provided.

Help Students Build Their Future. One Milestone at a Time.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on individual qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Company Overview: CW Resources, a part of CW Group, is a national non-profit organization that has been delivering mission-driven, high-quality services for more than 60 years. We are committed to fostering a supportive and respectful workplace where every employee is valued for their unique contributions. We're proud to offer a wide range of services, from vocational rehabilitation programs to delivering healthy food options through the Meals on Wheels program. Our dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening communities drives everything we do, and we continue to work toward a brighter, more welcoming future for all.

Pay Transparency Disclaimer: We are committed to pay transparency. Compensation for this role is determined in good faith and based on job-related factors such as skills, experience, education, and internal equity, in accordance with applicable law. Employees and applicants may request additional compensation information as permitted by law.

Copy and paste the link below into your web browser to view the posters pertaining to:

• Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws posters: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/olms/poster/labor-rights-federal-contractors
• CW's Self - Disclosure Form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx? id=zZj4MtUu00iOjM5NS60vhGhCUZaiq9RLhDLFapc8phdUQzRDRTlPUDNINzI3QTNUNEJONlZDSTZSMC4u&route=shorturl
• Please E-Mail:[e-mail] submit a request for accommodation with the application process.

Qualifications

Behaviors

• Team Player - Works well as a member of a group
• Enthusiastic - Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Functional Expert - Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
• Dedicated - Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

• Self-Starter - Inspired to perform without outside help
• Flexibility - Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Goal Completion - Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Growth Opportunities - Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Ability to Make an Impact - Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

High School (preferred)

Licenses & Certifications

Driver's License (preferred)

Skills

• Relationship Building (preferred)
• Team Building (preferred)
• Proactive Approach (preferred)
• Customer-focused (preferred)
• Continuous Learning (preferred)
• Communication (preferred)
• Collaboration (preferred)
• Attention to Detail (preferred)
• Adaptability (preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. 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.