Weekend Direct Support Professional Benhaven Respite

Benhaven Inc; North Haven (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Benhaven Respite Center is seeking a Lead DSP for a full-time, 30-hour workweek schedule. The role involves leading shifts, coordinating with clinicians, and planning activities for youth ages 8–20 enrolled in the BSP through DDS.

The center operates Fridays 1pm–Monday 11am and can support up to four youths at a time. The candidate must be at least 18, have a high school diploma, and pass a background check with valid CT driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Previous experience with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Valid CT driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Build rapport with respite guests and families to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
• Work with clinicians and the program manager to implement Behavior Support Plans for weekend guests.
• Provide leadership on shift as needed.
• Plan weekend activities aligned with guest interests and family input.
• Ensure safety for everyone and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• Obtain and maintain DDS Medication Certification in good standing.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The Respite Center is looking for a Lead DSP. The Lead DSP is a Full-time, non-exempt position that reports to the Respite Center Manager.

Status/Hours: Full-time, 30 hours weekly

Schedule: Sunday 2:00pm-10:00pm

Monday 7:00am-12:00pm

Friday 1:00pm-10:00pm

Saturday 2:00pm-10:00pm

Responsibilities:

The following duties are assigned to this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• To build rapport with each respite guest and their family to facilitate a safe, enjoyable, and interactive experience while in respite care
• Working closely with clinician and program manager to understand and implement Behavior Support Plans for the youth that is attending respite for that given weekend.
• Provide leadership on shift as needed
• Be an active team member in planning activities for the respite guests after consulting the Leisure Interest Survey completed by the individual and his or her family. Group activities might include community trips to museums, movies, fairs, the beach or special community events occurring during the guests' visit.
• All DSP’s will ensure safety for everyone in the environment and Assist with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Required to successfully obtain Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Medication Certification and comply with DDS standards to maintain DDS Medication Certification in good standing.

The Benhaven Respite Center supports youth ages 8 – 20 who are enrolled in the Behavioral Support Program (BSP) through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Our respite center is designed to provide planned respite to families to allow time to reenergize, focus on other family members, engage in personal, social, or routine activities and tasks that may otherwise be postponed or curtailed due to the responsibilities of caring for their family member.

The Benhaven Respite Center is open Fridays at 1pm – Monday morning at 11am and is able to support up to 4 youth at a time. The youth attending the respite center will enjoy a fun filled weekend of activities and events designed for them and the interests of the grouping for the weekend. The focus of each weekend is to ensure our respite guest are enjoying their stay by:

• participating in community activities,
• making new friends and maintaining friendships,
• having fun,
• doing activities within the group they enjoy,
• making good choices, and
• learning/experiencing new activities.

Position Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Valid CT driver's license
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Standard Benefits:

• Anthem Medical & Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending & Dependent Care Accounts
• Long-term Disability
• Term-Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life
• Mutual of America 403b & 401a
• 10 Vacation (accrued)
• 10 Sick days (accrued)
• 3 Personal Days
• 8 Holidays
• Employee Incentives
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement