First Shift Direct Support Professional

Overview

First Shift Direct Support Professional / Full-Time Weekly $18.45 - $19.45

GIL "Grounded In Love" Foundation Inc. is a private nonprofit organization celebrating 35 years of compassionate care and services for community residents with Intellectual Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Autism in Connecticut.

The Direct Support Professional (DSP) is the primary direct care worker responsible for supporting adults with disabilities to lead self-directed lives and contribute to their communities. The DSP ensures quality supports and consistent services in homes and communities. Responsibilities include coaching and counseling; assisting with social, recreational, and educational activities; providing medical, nutritional, and behavioral support, including lifting, walking with, transferring, and transporting individuals.

Open First Shift Full-time Positions Available *

• Sun: 6am-2pm
• Mon-Tues: 6am-10am, 2pm-6pm (Split Shift)
• Wed-Thu: 6am-10am
• Fri-Sat:
  Off

Alternate

Schedule:

• Sun-Mon:
  Off
• Tues-Wed: 6am-10am
• Thu-Fri: 6am-10am, 2pm-6pm (Split Shift)
• Sat: 6am-2pm

* Overtime available weekly to pick up open shifts.

• Meaningful, Life Changing Careers
• Enhanced Compensation for Weekends
• Competitive Pay (starting at $18.45/hr, potential for $19.45/hr after 90 days)
• Enhanced Compensation for Holidays
• Pleasant, Supportive Atmosphere in a Casual Work Environment
• Employee Paid Time Off
• Employee Medical Health Benefits – 100% Employer Paid for Worker
• Dependent Medical Health Benefits – 50% Employer Paid for Dependents
• Enhanced Compensation for FT Employees who waive Medical Benefits
• Salary Based Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account Plans – HSA
• Supplemental Benefit Plans
• 401(k) Employee Retirement Plans
• Employee Referral Incentive Plan

• Experienced DSPs are welcomed; we will train the right people who fit this culture.
• Friendly, helpful, and compassionate person who can prioritize others and align with the following traits: mission orientation, positivity, reliability, integrity, kindness, patience, flexibility, strong observation, good listening, and support for personal choice.
• Motivated, self-directed, and able to follow assignments and take initiative.
• Flexible with schedule due to 24-hour care needs.
• Coach-able, eager to learn, and willing to ask questions.

• Provide consistent care and assistance for individuals with disabilities living in their own homes or group settings.
• Perform personal care and support, including bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
• Support general housekeeping, laundry, cleaning, and simple maintenance.
• Assist with daily living activities such as banking, outings, grocery shopping, and other tasks.
• Monitor safety, follow care plans, assist with medications, and attend doctor visits.
• Maintain focus on safety and welfare of individuals served.
• Build community engagement through program strategies and recreation.
• Provide crisis management and intervention as needed for medical needs or behavioral challenges.
• Support meal planning, cooking, and nutritional guidelines.
• Assist with money management, shopping, and personal purchases.
• Provide safe transportation in the community; training provided (no CDL required).
• Read and understand English to follow care guidelines and complete documentation.
• Support clients in achieving personal goals and fostering purpose.
• Complete required monthly and annual training to maintain competencies and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings and contribute to team processes.
• Maintain attention to detail and competence with computers (training provided).
• Safeguard and protect individuals’ personal property, rights, and privacy.
• Perform physically demanding tasks as needed (e.g., lifting and transferring heavy weight, with or without assistive devices).

• State Medication Administration Certification (Group Home Workers Only)
• First Aid for Accidents
• CPR – Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
• PMT – Physical Management Techniques (Group Home Workers Only)

Full Time Positions Available: typically 32–36 hours per week over 5 days; includes weekday early hours, weekend, and evening hours in a residential setting. Overtime is available.

Part Time Positions Available: typically 12–24 hours per week over 7 days; includes weekday early hours, weekend, and evening hours. Overtime is available.

• Prospect, CT 06712
• Cheshire, CT 06410
• North Haven, CT 06473