Direct Support Professional

Oak Hill/Gilead•Torrington, CT

16d

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 participants in living with greater independence, dignity, and connection to their communities. The Residential Program Worker implements policies, procedures, and programs intended to enhance participants’ independence and quality of life in keeping with Oak Hill’s mission. The position works under the general supervision of the Group Home Manager and Program Supervisor and does not supervise other employees. It involves contact with program participants, employees, medical personnel, parents, guardians, employers, and other community members. The work includes assistance with daily living and personal care, implementing individual programs and behavior support plans, medication support and documentation, monitoring safety and well-being, community transportation, household tasks, recordkeeping, and collaboration with the program team.

Responsibilities

Implement Oak Hill policies, procedures, and programs that support participants’ independence and quality of life.
Assist, guide, and instruct participants in activities of daily living, including hygiene, meal preparation and eating, housekeeping, recreation, social activities, and adaptive behaviors.
Collect, record, and chart program information, including electronic records, to support program maintenance and evaluation and meet regulatory requirements.
Assist participants with personal hygiene, bathing and showering, oral care, toileting, clothing choices, and related daily living tasks.
Implement individual behavior support plans and observe and document relevant information as required.
Carry out individual programs and prepare materials for participant activities or projects as needed.
Maintain familiarity with participant-specific programs and applicable policies, procedures, and regulations.
Promote and assist with medication self-administration; administer and document medications and errors according to Oak Hill procedures; observe and report changes in participants’ behavior or physical and mental appearance.
Teach safety measures and monitor participants according to their individual supervision guidelines.
Use Emergency First Aid and CPR when necessary and follow emergency procedures, including evacuation; exercise judgment in emergencies and use the least intrusive methods when injury risk arises.
Follow safety guidelines and use designated equipment when lifting and transferring participants.
Transport participants to and from work, community activities, medical appointments, shopping, dining, and recreation or leisure activities.
Teach or assist with meal preparation and feeding as needed, following menus and individual dietary guidelines.
Clean and maintain hygienic kitchens, bathrooms, and other residence areas.
Shop for participants’ clothing, groceries, and personal or household supplies.
Account for household petty cash and participants’ cash.
Launder, mend, iron, and fold participants’ clothing as needed.
Remove hazards, including snow, from driveways, walkways, and other areas as needed.
Initiate activities and interactions to support participants’ engagement in programs.
Help maintain staffing by filling vacancies as needed and remaining on duty beyond the shift end until a replacement arrives when necessary.
Attend team meetings and provide information to managers, supervisors, and other team members to support monitoring, evaluation, and development or modification of individual programs.
Attend staff meetings and training programs and meet training, certification, and professional development requirements.
Follow Oak Hill, Department of Developmental Services, and federal certification and licensing requirements; cooperate and interact professionally with employees, managers, specialized staff, administration, families, representatives, and authorized visitors.
Assist with orientation of new employees as needed.
Serve as a professional, age-appropriate role model for participants.
Protect participant confidentiality and comply with policies concerning identity and medical information.
Contribute to team efforts and complete related duties as needed.