Direct Support Professional

Oak Hill/Gilead • Waterbury, CT

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Oak Hill is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated Direct Support Professionals to provide person-centered support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential setting. The role supports individuals’ independence, dignity, health, community connection, and personal goals. The position is located in Waterbury, Connecticut, and is scheduled for 32 hours per week, Friday through Monday, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Compensation is $20.39 per hour, with differential pay available for specific schedules. This is a union, non-exempt position eligible for overtime.

The Direct Support Professional assists with daily living, personal care, health and wellness, meals, mobility, community participation, documentation, safety, and behavioral support. The role includes administering medications in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives; transporting individuals in agency vehicles; using approved adaptive equipment and lift systems; and communicating with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, families, and other stakeholders. Employees participate in required meetings, training, and ongoing professional development and follow Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and other applicable requirements.

Oak Hill offers paid training and certifications, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire. Previous experience is preferred but not required; paid training and support are provided. The organization describes itself as Connecticut’s largest private provider of services for people with disabilities and notes that it has been empowering people with disabilities for more than 130 years.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license and ability to transport individuals in agency vehicles.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks, fingerprinting, and pre-employment health screenings.
• Ability to complete required training programs and maintain necessary certifications.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, healthy, and professional work environment in accordance with Oak Hill policies.
• Commitment to continuity of care, including occasionally staying beyond a scheduled shift until coverage is in place.
• Compassion, patience, empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help others achieve their goals.
• Ability to adapt, remain flexible when situations change, and approach challenges with a solutions-focused mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional, Certified Nursing Assistant, caregiver, home health aide, behavioral health technician, or in a related human services role.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, hygiene, and continence care according to individuals’ preferences and support plans.
• Encourage individuals’ independence and skill development.
• Monitor and document health-related information, including vital signs when required.
• Administer medications and maintain accurate medication records in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.
• Follow individualized health care plans and support individuals’ overall well-being.
• Transport individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations using agency vehicles.
• Encourage participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.
• Prepare meals and snacks according to menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences, and provide mealtime support as needed.
• Assist with mobility and transfers using approved techniques, adaptive equipment, lift systems, ramps, and wheelchair securement devices as required.
• Document daily activities, health information, progress notes, incidents, and medication administration in the electronic health record.
• Follow Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Follow emergency procedures and safety protocols, implement behavioral support strategies, and document related activities.
• Apply trained intervention techniques and administer First Aid/CPR when required.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.
• Support continuity of care, including occasionally staying beyond the scheduled shift until coverage is in place.

Benefits

• Paid training and certifications, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire.
• Career mobility opportunities after six months, including transfers and additional shift opportunities.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an annual Oak Hill contribution equal to 9.5% of eligible gross earnings, regardless of employee contribution.
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance options, including employer-paid coverage.
• Tuition reimbursement and career development opportunities.
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs.
• Mission-driven culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED