Direct Support Professional - Day Program

Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection

Direct Support Professional

Full Time

New Haven, CT, US

Requisition ID:1562

Salary Range: $18.75 To $18.75 Hourly

Schedule: 40 hours/wk., Monday-Friday 8am-4pm

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is an award-winning nonprofit company devoted to empowering adults with disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. We believe self-advocacy supports the growth of our individuals and collaborate with them to create services that foster independence. In 2022, we celebrated 50 years of excellence in the field of disabilities and continue our dedication to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you share our core values of dynamic diversity, caring collaboration, individual integrity, and community connection, we want to hear from you!

Why consider a career at CHSC?

• We offer a full benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
• A culture committed to community and compassion.
• A friendly and caring environment that is professional but warm, with room to advance.
• Staff longevity – 50% of our staff have been with us 5 years, many of whom started in entry-level roles that have developed into fulfilling careers lasting 10 years.
• The opportunity to do meaningful work that enriches the lives of others.

The Role:

The Community Life Program (CLP) at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc. is a day program designed to offer a structured, community-focused day for individuals who are either not working or working a limited number of hours. The cornerstones of the program are developing healthy lifestyles by increasing interpersonal skills and socialization, constructively managing free time, participating in regular exercise and healthy eating habits and enjoying numerous activities and community service opportunities in the Greater New Haven community.

As a key member of the CLP team, the Direct Support Professional works closely with fellow support staff and the manager to support individuals within daily programming to meet their personal and community-related goals. The DSP is responsible for planning and running activities. The DSP is responsible for coaching individuals in the community during activities, tracking goals, and collaborating with their support team to ensure quality service and growth.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Facilitate daily activities planned by the Community Life Program team.
• Instruct and assist individuals with daily living skills (e.g., preparing lunch, budgeting, hygiene, healthy relationships).
• Follow directions provided by the Community Life Program Manager
• Maintain appropriate documentation (attendance, incident reports, progress notes via SetWorks, emails, etc.).
• Transport individuals to and from any day trip, event or volunteer site offered by the Community Life program, following Chapel Haven’s van usage protocol. Use of own vehicle may be required.
• Take attendance of group, handle petty cash following protocol, carry materials needed for the trip (e.g., tickets, epi-pens, meds & money), meet individual needs & support the group while in the community.
• De-escalate arguments and other potentially stressful situations through adept communication with individuals and team.
• Demonstrate skills including remaining calm and responding quickly to unexpected situations.
• Attend agency, program, and staff development meetings as required.
• Modify a planned course of action in response to unexpected delays or new circumstances.
• Maintain safety and the wellbeing of all individuals served.
• With the assistance of Chapel Haven, obtain a Public Services License (PSL) within 90 days of start date.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Post-secondary education/coursework in fields such as Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis, Vocational Rehabilitation, or related field – associate degree preferred. Experience can be considered in place of education.
• A minimum of 1 year experience in direct support with individuals with development disabilities and autism.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Cultural sensitivity and proven ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to prioritize and organize information/tasks.
• Demonstrates creativity and passion for enhancing the daily lives of the people we serve.
• Computer skills – Microsoft Office, Google suite, and web-based experience required. This position requires solid computer skills used for communications, activity planning, case notes, and data tracking.
• High level of integrity and commitment to Chapel Haven’s values.
• Openness to learning and willingness to give and receive feedback.
• Ability to obtain CPR/Frist Aid Certifications, State of CT Medication Certifications (along with other agency training requirements).
• Valid driver’s license with personal vehicle and acceptable driving record. Public Service License (PSL) preferred or eligible to obtain.
• Physical requirements: ability to stand, sit, walk, and climb stairs for periods of time; Ability to lift 20 lbs. (24-pack of bottled water, grocery bag with groceries); Ability to drive 12 passenger van safely, approved by manager

Do not meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, LGBTQ , and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Chapel Haven!

Dynamic Diversity – Caring Collaboration – Individual Integrity – Community Connection