Position: Direct Support Lead – Norwich, CT

Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt – 40 hours/week(7:30 am to 4 pm)

Compensation: 20.00/hr

Who are we?

As a nonprofit organization, Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut is leading the way to 100% equity and inclusion in our community—an organization that recognizes that our differences are our strengths. Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut provides programs and services that enhance quality of life and provide expanded access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for those with disabilities and our Veteran population, which we have proudly done for over 75 years.

What’s in it for you?

Easterseals Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut is looking for a Direct Support Lead to join our Norwich team. The Direct Support Lead provides leadership and direction for the other Direct Support Associates in the program, by organizing, implementing and directing daily program activities. The Direct Support Lead is responsible for providing direct care, community and center support, supervision, case management, advocacy, assessments, and transportation to all participants in the program.

- Competitive compensation

- Industry leading paid time off including paid holidays

- United Healthcare medical, dental and vision benefit options

- 100% retirement match on the first 5% of your contribution

- Secure document and electronics destruction for you and your household

- Company paid life, disability and AD&D insurance

- Professional development and training opportunities, including tuition reimbursement

What will you do?

- Provide input and assist Program Manager in planning and evaluating the program.

- Provide input on staff evaluations to the Program Manager

- Notify Program Manager of concerns/issues regarding staff, participants, necessary maintenance and repair of the facility and company vehicles.

- Provides coverage to day support staff when needed to ensure participant safety, transportation and program standards are met.

- Under the direction of the direction of the nurse consultant, provide medication administration ensuring compliance with policy and procedure and perform nurse delegated tasks.

- Assist DSAs to plan and engage participants in appropriate center /community activities.

- Works with DSA staff to coordinate volunteer opportunities and ensures appropriate staffing and skill level is in attendance at each site.

- Manage and communicate daily schedules and tasks to day support staff.

- Act as an Interdisciplinary team member and assist the Case Coordinator in formulating new goals and objectives for quarterly, 6 month and annual reports for participants.

- Attend participant meetings, make recommendations and report all update/changes to the Case Coordinator.

- Maintain positive relationships with participant caretakers and act as a positive liaison between caretakers and Easterseals services.

- Complete program documentation as assigned.

- Work with transportation support associate or designee to ensure vehicles are maintained and proper documentation is kept in compliance with policy and procedure.

- Maintains participant activity funds.

- Participate in scheduled day support leadership meetings and other relevant meetings.

- Perform general housekeeping to ensure a safe environment for participants.

Skills and requirements

- An Associate’s degree in human services with one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities or high school diploma/HSE with three years’ experience working in a human service agency supporting individuals with disabilities.

- Maintains active driver’s license and clean driving record and Ability to drive commercial passenger vans to safely transport participants.

- First Aid & CPR and Physical Management certifications. Must possess Medication Administration Certification.

- Knowledge and understanding of Developmental Disabilities.

- Knowledge and understanding of Abuse & Neglect.

- A passion and desire to work with and advocate for individuals with disabilities.

- Knowledge and understanding of clinical assessments and ability to implement and follow medical/behavioral/social objectives.

- Ensure program participant’s health and safety standards.

- Ability to coach and engage day support staff in a team leadership setting.

- Assist program participants to attain their specific goals using positive support strategies.

- Keeps relevant and appropriate documentation on participants and their progress.

- Flexible to accommodate modifications to program and work schedules.

- Ability to supervise up to six participants, and also program staff.

- Excellent communication skills; verbal, written, presentation.

- Ability to connect with individuals from all backgrounds and abilities.

- High level of comfort with computers and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, Adobe PDF, and other platforms as necessary to perform duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Supervisory: 1 year (Preferred)
• Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• DDS Medication Administration Certification (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Norwich, CT 06360: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person