Direct Support Professional - Thomaston, Vally View

Oak Hill • Thomaston, CT

18d

About The Position

Oak Hill is hiring a Direct Support Professional in Thomaston, Connecticut, to support individuals in living healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. The position is scheduled for 30 hours per week: Monday and Friday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. The base rate is $20.39 per hour, with differential pay available for specific schedules. This is a union, non-exempt position eligible for overtime.

The role provides person-centered support with daily living, personal care, health and wellness, nutrition, mobility, community participation, and behavioral needs. The Direct Support Professional documents care and activities in the electronic health record, follows individual support plans and applicable regulations, responds to emergencies, and works collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, families, and other stakeholders. The employee may occasionally need to remain beyond a scheduled shift until coverage is in place.

Oak Hill describes itself as Connecticut's largest private provider of services for people with disabilities and has been empowering people with disabilities for more than 130 years. It offers paid training and certifications, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire, career mobility opportunities, paid time off, insurance, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, and career development.

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.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), 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 individual preferences and support plans.
• Encourage 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 in agency vehicles to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations.
• Encourage participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.
• Prepare meals and snacks in accordance with menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences, and provide support during meals as needed.
• Assist with mobility and transfers using approved techniques and required adaptive equipment, lift systems, ramps, and wheelchair securement devices.
• 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.
• Use trained intervention techniques and administer First Aid/CPR when required.
• Communicate with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.

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.
• Affordable 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.

What This Job Offers

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