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

Oak Hill•Watertown, CT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Direct Support Professional, you will support individuals in living healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. You will assist with personal care and daily living activities according to individual preferences and support plans, encourage independence and skill development, and provide support for health, wellness, nutrition, mobility, community inclusion, and personal interests. You will transport individuals using agency vehicles and assist with transfers using approved techniques and equipment. The role also includes documenting activities and health information in the electronic health record, following applicable organizational and regulatory requirements, responding to emergencies and behavioral needs, communicating with colleagues and other stakeholders, and participating in required meetings, training, and professional development. This is a full-time, union, overtime-eligible position in Watertown, Connecticut, scheduled Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, for 40 hours per week. Compensation is $20.39 per hour based on assigned shift. Continuity of care may occasionally require staying beyond the scheduled shift until coverage is in place. Oak Hill provides paid training and certifications, including DDS Medication Certification within 90 days of hire.

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 an occasional need to stay 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 individuals’ independence and skill development.
Monitor and document health-related information, including vital signs when required.
Administer medications and maintain accurate medication records according to 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, document related activities, and apply trained intervention techniques; administer First Aid/CPR when required.
Communicate with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.
Participate in required meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.
Maintain continuity of care, including occasionally staying beyond a 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.
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.
Mission-driven culture.