Direct Support Professional

Oak Hill • Southington, CT

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Oak Hill is hiring a Direct Support Professional in Vernon, Connecticut, for a 26-hour weekly schedule: Thursday 11 p.m.–9 a.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 p.m.–7 a.m. The base rate is $20.39 per hour, with differential pay available for specific schedules. This is a union, non-exempt, overtime-eligible position. Due to the specific needs of individuals in this program, only female applicants can be considered at this time.

The role supports individuals with daily living, health and wellness, nutrition, mobility, community participation, and behavioral needs. The Direct Support Professional provides individualized assistance while encouraging independence, dignity, and inclusion. Responsibilities include documenting care in the electronic health record, following applicable agency and regulatory requirements, responding to emergencies, and communicating with individuals served, colleagues, supervisors, families, and other stakeholders. The role requires attendance at meetings and training and may occasionally require staying beyond a scheduled shift until replacement coverage is in place.

Oak Hill has served people with disabilities for more than 130 years and describes itself as Connecticut’s largest private provider of services for people with disabilities. It offers paid training and certifications, career mobility opportunities, paid time off, insurance, retirement contributions, tuition reimbursement, and employee recognition programs.

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.
• Only female applicants can be considered at this time due to the specific needs of individuals in the program.

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 medication records according to training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.
• Follow individualized health care plans and support overall well-being.
• Transport individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations in 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 and adaptive equipment, including 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 and document related activities.
• Use trained intervention techniques and 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.
• Occasionally stay 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED