Direct Support Professional - FT - Third Shift

The Arc Eastern Connecticut has been providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for more than 60 years. We actively champion for full community inclusion and are a licensed and contracted service provider of the Connecticut Department of Development Services, offering residential, daytime, employment, and social supports to people with IDD and their families.

About the role

Our Direct Support Professionals are committed to facilitate, model, and build skills that will lead to the optimal independence of the people we support.

Responsibilities

• Deliver training, support, and assistance to participants in the areas of personal care, recreation and leisure, 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 participants' individualized support plans; your observations and opinions are crucial to tailoring an achievable plan.
• Accurately administer prescribed medications to participants as ordered by physicians.
• Accurately complete required documentation including but not limited to program data, incident reports, daily logs, progress notes, and health records.
• Ensure participants' health and safety at all times, including prevention of abuse, performing CPR, Standard First Aid, the Heimlich procedure, and evacuating participants in case of fire.
• Provide transportation to recreational and community activities.
• Prepare participants' meals following published menus.
• Mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills including recreation, independence, communication, and health.

Expectations

• Demonstrate a positive work ethic and work with limited supervision.
• 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.
• Maintain a mature and positive attitude when dealing with program participants, staff, families, the public, and outside representatives.
• Work cooperatively with all departments.
• Carry out all job responsibilities in a professional manner.
• Attend all agency staff meetings and training sessions.
• Maintain attendance and adhere to policies on days of absence and illness.
• Keep supervisor informed of any significant events or the need to modify any area of operation/activity.
• Serve as a positive and appropriate role model for program participants.
• Provide advocacy for participants based on their personal choice and individual plan.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with participants, their families, and providers.
• Respond to the needs of participants, families, and providers in a timely and professional manner.

Requirements

• Prior experience working with people who have developmental and physical disabilities preferred.
• Ability to mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills including recreation, independence, communication, and health.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Basic computer aptitude and ability to speak/write in English.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Paid training and state certification
• 11 recognized holidays off and paid each year
• Paid vacation and paid sick leave

Pay

Starting hourly rate of $20.20 per hour. Hiring bonus of $250, to be received in two installments: after completion of the probationary period (90 days) and at six months of employment.

Schedule

Sun–Tues, 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM