Direct Support Professional (Weekend, Day Shift) - Waterbury, CT at Gilead Community Services

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Location: Waterbury, CT

Weekly Hours: 16

Weekly Schedule: Friday and Saturday, 11pm-7am

Compensation: $18.50-$19.40/hour (based on assigned shift)

Union Position | Overtime Eligible

Make a Meaningful Difference Every Day

At Oak Hill, you'll do more than provide care. You'll help people live with greater independence, dignity, and connection to their communities. We're seeking compassionate, dependable individuals to join our team as a Direct Support Professional (DSP). In this role, you'll provide person-centered support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a residential group home setting.

Whether you're an experienced DSP, CNA, caregiver, or someone looking to begin a rewarding career helping others, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Do

As a Direct Support Professional, you'll support individuals in living healthy, meaningful, and fulfilling lives by:

Supporting Daily Living Activities

Assisting with personal care, grooming, bathing, dressing, and hygiene needs, based on individual preferences and support plans.

Providing assistance with continence care as needed.

Encouraging independence and skill development whenever possible.

Supporting Health and Wellness

Monitoring and documenting health-related information, including vital signs when required.

Administering medications and maintaining accurate medication records in accordance with training, certification requirements, and nursing directives.

Following individualized health care plans and supporting overall well-being.

Promoting Community Inclusion

Transporting individuals to appointments, recreational activities, community events, and other destinations using agency vehicles.

Encouraging participation in community life, social opportunities, and personal interests.

Assisting with Nutrition and Mealtime Support

Preparing meals and snacks according to menus, dietary requirements, and personal preferences.

Providing support during meals as needed.

Providing Physical Support

Assisting individuals with mobility and transfers using approved techniques, adaptive equipment, lift systems, ramps, and wheelchair securement devices as required.

Maintaining Documentation and Compliance

Accurately documenting daily activities, health information, progress notes, incidents, and medication administration in the electronic health record (EHR).

Following all applicable Oak Hill, DDS, DPH, HIPAA, and regulatory requirements.

Responding to Emergencies and Behavioral Needs

Following established emergency procedures and safety protocols.

Implementing behavioral support strategies and documenting related activities.

Applying trained intervention techniques and administering First Aid/CPR when required.

Working as a Team

Communicating effectively with colleagues, supervisors, individuals served, family members, and other stakeholders.

Participating in required meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age.

High school diploma or GED.

Valid driver's license with the 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

No experience? We provide paid training and support to help you succeed.

You'll Thrive in This Role If You...

Lead with Compassion

You build trust through patience, empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help others achieve their goals.

Adapt and Problem-Solve

You enjoy variety, remain flexible when situations change, and approach challenges with curiosity and a solutions-focused mindset.

Find Purpose in Helping Others

You are motivated by meaningful work and take pride in making a positive impact in someone's life every day.

Why Join Oak Hill?

For more than 130 years, Oak Hill has been empowering people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and thrive. As Connecticut's largest private provider of services for people with disabilities, we are committed to creating opportunities for independence, inclusion, health, and dignity.

When you join Oak Hill, you'll enjoy:

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.

Generous 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.

A mission-driven culture where your work truly matters

Oak Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and individuals we serve. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.