Direct Support Professional-Full Time (40 Hours)

The Arc Eastern Connecticut•Norwich, CT

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Arc Eastern Connecticut has been providing services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 60 years, championing full community inclusion. This role involves facilitating, modeling, and building skills to promote optimal independence for the people supported. Responsibilities include delivering training and assistance in personal care, recreation, daily living skills, social skills, health needs, community integration, and behavior management. Direct Support Professionals participate in individualized support plans, administer medications, complete required documentation, ensure participant health and safety (including CPR, First Aid, Heimlich, and evacuation procedures), provide transportation, and prepare meals. The position requires a positive work ethic, ability to work with limited supervision, advocacy for participants' rights, and maintaining a mature and positive attitude with all stakeholders.

Requirements

Must have the ability to mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills including recreation, independence, communication, and health.
Valid driver’s license required.
High School Diploma or GED Required.
Applicants must possess basic computer aptitude and be able to speak/write in English.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with people who have developmental and physical disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver training, support, and assistance to participants in the areas of personal care, recreation and leisure, daily living skills, social skills, health needs, personal preferences, exercising of individual rights, community integration, and behavior management.
Participate in the design, implementation and monitoring of the participants individualized support plan.
Accurately administer prescribed medications to participants as ordered by physicians.
Accurately complete required documentation including but not limited to program data, incident reports, daily log, progress notes, and health records.
Always ensure participants health and safety including but not limited to prevention of abuse, perform CPR, perform Standard First Aid, perform Heimlich procedure, and evacuate participants in case of a fire.
Providing transportation to recreational and community activities.
Prepare participants meals following published menus.
Mentor and assist people in all areas of life skills including recreation, independence, communication, and health.
Demonstrates a positive work ethic.
Can work with limited supervision.
Advocates for and protects participants’ rights in accordance with Arc policies and procedures.
Treats all individuals in an age-appropriate manner, with respect and dignity, and to encourage opportunities that promote choice.
Maintains a mature and positive attitude when dealing with program participants, staff, families, the public and outside representatives.
Works with a spirit of cooperation with all departments.
Carries out all job responsibilities in a professional manner.
Attends all agency staff meetings and training sessions.
Maintains attendance. Adheres to policies on attendance, days of absence, and illness.
Keeps supervisor informed of any significant events or the need to modify any area of the operation/activity.
Serves as a positive and appropriate role model for program participants.
Provides advocacy for participants based on their personal choice and their individual plan.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with participants, their families, and providers.
Responds to need of participants, families, and providers in a timely and professional manner.