Direct Support Professional

Dynamic Diversity - Caring Collaboration - Individual Integrity - Community Connection

Direct Support Professional

Full Time

New Haven, CT, US

Requisition ID:1598

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?

• Comprehensive benefits: Full-time employees receive a complete benefits package, including paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible Opportunities: Part- time employees enjoy a flexible schedule, valuable hands-on experience, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals we support. Select Benefits may also be available.
• Room for growth: We offer a professional yet warm and welcoming workplace with opportunities for career advancement
• Staff longevity and Development: over 50% of our staff have been with us for 5+ plus years, many of whom started in entry-level roles and have grown into fulfilling, long-term careers spanning 10 plus years.
• A culture of Community and Compassion: We take pride in our strong sense of community, teamwork, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Join us and become part of the team that values professional growth, meaningful work, and a culture of care.

The Role:

The community life program at Chapel Haven is a structured day program designed for individuals who are either not working or working limited hours. The program focuses on developing healthy lifestyles, improving interpersonal skills, managing free time constructively, participating in regular exercise and healthy eating, and engaging in community service opportunities throughout greater New Haven.

As a key member of the community life program team, the Direct Support Professional works closely with fellow support staff and managers to help individuals achieve their personal and community related goals.

We are seeking a Direct Support Professional who is passionate about supporting individuals in leading fulfilling, independent lives through structured activities and community engagement. If you're committed to making a difference, we encourage you to apply.

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.

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

40/hour week: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm