Direct Support Professional

About the role

The Arc Eastern Connecticut provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are a licensed and contracted service provider for the Connecticut Department of Development Services, offering residential, daytime, employment, and social supports.

Responsibilities

• Deliver training, support, and assistance in areas such as personal care, recreation, daily living skills, social skills, health needs, personal preferences, exercising of individual rights, community integration, and behavior management.
• Participate in the design, implementation, and monitoring of individualized support plans.
• Accurately administer prescribed medications to participants as ordered by physicians.
• Accurately complete required documentation including program data, incident reports, daily logs, progress notes, and health records.
• Ensure participants' health and safety, including preventing abuse, performing CPR, first aid, Heimlich procedure, and evacuation in case of a fire.
• Prepare participants' meals according to published menus.
• Mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills, including recreation, independence, communication, and health.
• Provide transportation to recreational and community activities.
• Advocate for and protect participants' rights in accordance with Arc policies and procedures.
• Treat all individuals in an age-appropriate manner, with respect and dignity, and encourage opportunities that promote choice.
• Work cooperatively with all departments and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Attend agency staff meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain attendance and inform supervisor of any significant events or operational modifications.
• Model appropriate behavior for program participants and provide advocacy based on their personal choices and plans.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with participants, their families, and providers.
• Respond to participant, family, and provider needs in a timely and professional manner.

Requirements

• Prior experience working with people who have developmental and physical disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• High School Diploma or GED Required.
• Basic computer aptitude and ability to speak/write in English.

Qualifications

• Must have the ability to mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills including recreation, independence, communication, and health.

Skills

• Positive work ethic.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of CPR, first aid, and Heimlich procedure.
• Ability to prepare meals according to published menus.
• Ability to transport participants to activities.
• Ability to advocate for participants' rights.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor.
• Ability to attend meetings and training sessions.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships.
• Ability to respond to participant needs in a timely manner.

Benefits

• Dental insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off.
• Referral program.
• 11 recognized holidays off and paid each year.
• Paid vacation and paid sick leave.
• Starting hourly rate of $18.30 per hour.
• Opportunities for advancement.

Pay

$18.30 per hour

Schedule

Thursday & Friday: 2:00p.m - 10:00p.m
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00a.m - 3:00p.m