Direct Support Professional (Full Time, Weekdays) - Watertown, CT

Oak Hill•Watertown, CT

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Oak Hill is hiring a Direct Support Professional to help individuals live healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. The position is based in Watertown, Connecticut, and is scheduled for 40 hours per week, Sunday through Thursday, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Compensation is $20.39 per hour, based on assigned shift. This is a union position and is overtime eligible. The role provides person-centered support with daily living activities, personal care, health and wellness, community participation, meal preparation, mobility, and transfers. The Direct Support Professional maintains accurate electronic health records, follows individualized care plans and applicable regulations, responds to emergencies and behavioral needs, and communicates with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, families, and other stakeholders. The role includes required meetings, training, and ongoing professional development, as well as occasional staying beyond a scheduled shift until coverage is in place. Oak Hill has been empowering people with disabilities for more than 130 years and describes itself as Connecticut's largest private provider of services for people with disabilities. It is committed to opportunities for independence, inclusion, health, and dignity. Paid training and certifications are provided, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire. Career mobility opportunities may be available after six months.

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.
Compassion, patience, empathy, respect, and a desire to help others achieve their goals.
Flexibility, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a solutions-focused mindset.
Motivation to do meaningful work and make a positive impact in someone's life.

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 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 according to 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 applicable Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements.
Follow established 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, training, and ongoing professional development.
Occasionally stay 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.
A mission-driven culture.