What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Support Professional - Group Home position at NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York?
Join Our Team and Make a Difference!
NAFI Connecticut | Rhode Island | New York is a dynamic multi-service agency at the forefront of youth and family support across Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York
NAFI Connecticut Inc. is a multi-service agency offering a wide range of residential, programming consultation, and personalized support to youth, families, and adults across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. With unique services designed for each state, we provide trauma-informed care and community-based youth programs in Connecticut, comprehensive family support and residential services for at-risk youth in New York, and targeted mental health services and crisis intervention in Rhode Island and so much more. Across all three states, our goal is to empower individuals and strengthen families.
We are exploring candidates for Direct Support Professionals (per-diem/ as needed) for our amazing individual focused programs in Waterbury, North Haven and Thomaston group homes.
Responsibilities Include:
Are you passionate about empowering others and being a positive force in their lives? We're looking for compassionate, skilled professionals to help guide individuals toward growth and success.
- Support Personal Growth: Assess client skills and provide counseling on independent living, coping strategies, and pro-social behaviors using behavior support plans.
- Guide and Inspire: Offer coaching on interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and managing peer pressure, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
- Be a Role Model: Lead by example—demonstrate professionalism and positivity both in the community and within the organization.
- Provide Essential Care: Assist clients with daily living activities, prepare meals, and provide safe transportation as needed.
- Document Progress: Record client interactions and behavioral observations after each shift to ensure quality care.
- Stay Prepared: Participate in training sessions, team meetings, and maintain up-to-date certifications.
- Handle Challenges Confidently: Use crisis prevention, de-escalation techniques, and physical management when necessary and permitted.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment, we'd love to hear from you!
Qualifications/Skills
- High School Diploma or GED (required)
- Valid Driver's License (required)
- Experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD), Intellectual Disabilities, or Behavioral Health populations
- Prior experience in group homes, hospitals, human services, or behavioral health settings
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Personal Care Assistant (PCA) experience (preferred but not required)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with clients, families, and team members
- Knowledge of crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques (preferred).
- Familiarity with behavior support plans and implementation strategies
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building trust and rapport with clients
- Organizational and time management skills to handle documentation and daily responsibilities effectively
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet the unique needs of each client
- Basic computer skills for completing documentation and reports
- CPR, First Aid, or other relevant certifications (preferred)
Hourly Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 / per hour (Based on education and Position)
Our Exceptional Benefits: (Eligible Employees)
- Generous paid time off
- 3-6 weeks’ vacation, 7 sick days and 11 paid holidays each year
Employee Health and Wellness:
- Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage
- (Reimbursements for fitness, weight loss, holistic health programs)
- No cost employee assistance program
- Voluntary employee focused wellness programs
Retirement and Financial Planning:
- Company matching 403b and no cost retirement consulting
- Company paid for life Insurance and long-term disability
- Public service loan forgiveness
- Insurance including accident, hospital indemnity, supplemental Life
- Pet Insurance
- Tuition reimbursement: Includes licensure fees, professional memberships
…and much much more!
CNA's, PCA's, Health Care experience and Males are encouraged to apply.
Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination Statement:
- NAFI Connecticut, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, veteran status, disability, or any other federal, state or local protected class. Inclusivity and removing barriers are important to us. We are passionate about instilling a sense of belonging, celebrating diverse perspectives, and offering equal opportunities for employees to contribute and grow. We encourage members of underrepresented or marginalized communities and all those that share in these beliefs to apply.
E-Verify Employer, Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action
Salary : $18 - $22
