Direct Support Professional
About The Position
The Direct Support Professional provides Recovery Assistant services to participants in their homes and other community settings in Danbury, Connecticut. Services are provided for at least 15 minutes and according to the participant’s Recovery Plan. The role assists or cues participants who, because of physical or psychiatric disabilities, are unable to complete tasks independently. Support includes daily living activities, community participation, health and safety practices, appointments, and building independence. The position also involves supportive discussions, companionship, travel when engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity, and participation in Recovery Plan development or quarterly update meetings when requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Possess at least a high school diploma or GED.
- Possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license or a state-issued identification card.
- Be registered with DMHAS as having completed an approved Recovery Assistant training program.
- Have a criminal background check conducted within six months of application.
- Meet any continuing education and/or training requirements set by DMHAS.
Responsibilities
- Provide or assist with meal planning and preparation, shopping, housekeeping, laundry, basic household tasks, and other tasks the participant cannot perform independently.
- Assist or cue participants with dressing, personal grooming, hygiene, and oral care.
- Support appropriate use of emergency medical services and routine medical and dental services.
- Assist or cue participants to take medications as prescribed, including self-administration, and to develop healthy habits such as a healthy diet, exercise, and stress-alleviating behaviors.
- Encourage participation in family, social, recreational, and community activities, including appropriate use of natural community supports.
- Support fulfillment of personal commitments and attendance at scheduled clinical, vocational, educational, and judicial or court appointments and meetings.
- Assist or cue participants to avoid risky behaviors, substance abuse, overspending, and unnecessary conflicts.
- Provide supportive and problem-solving-oriented discussions and establish and maintain a helpful, supportive companionship relationship.
- Escort participants to necessary medical, dental, or personal business appointments; read to or for participants; and engage in or discuss recreational, hobby, or sport-related activities.
- Engage in other activities directed at reducing disability, restoring functioning, and supporting independent participation in social, interpersonal, family, and community activities and community reintegration.
- Participate in waiver Recovery Plan development and quarterly Recovery Plan update meetings when requested by the DMHAS Support Coordinator.
- Travel with a participant when also engaged in a qualifying waiver service activity.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
