Demo

Direct Support Professional / DDS

NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York
Waterbury, CT Full Time
POSTED ON 4/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/4/2026

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!

NAFI Connecticut provides programs, consultation, and support services in a variety of settings across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. We work with adults, children, and families to increase communication and social skills, improve relationships, increase circles of support, and provide therapeutic services based on best-practice research. We believe that people can change, and we work to empower each individual in their own care.

We are exploring candidates for Direct Support Professionals for our amazing individual-focused programs.

Responsibilities Include:
  • Assess client skills and provide guidance on independent living, coping strategies, and pro-social behaviors using behavior support plans

  • Coach individuals on interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and managing peer pressure while maintaining appropriate boundaries

  • Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism and respect in all settings

  • Assist clients with daily living activities, meal preparation, and safe transportation

  • Accurately document client interactions and behavioral observations after each shift

  • Participate in required trainings and team meetings, and maintain up-to-date certifications

  • Utilize crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques, and implement 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!

      Desired Qualifications and Skills:
      • High School Diploma or GED

      • Valid Driver’s License

      • Experience supporting individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, or in behavioral health settings

      • Background in group homes, hospitals, or human services preferred

      • CNA/PCA experience a plus

      • Strong communication and teamwork skills

      • Knowledge of crisis prevention and behavior support plans preferred

      • Ability to maintain professionalism and build positive relationships

      • Strong organization, flexibility, and basic computer skills

      • PMT, Medication Certification, and CPR/First Aid certification preferred

        Hourly Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 / per hour (Based on education and Position) 

        30/hour DSP A-side Position: 

        • Sunday 9 am-11 pm
        • Mon 3 pm-11 pm 
        • Tues 3 pm-11 pm

        30/hour DSP B-side Position:

        • Thursday 3 pm-11 pm
        • Friday 3 pm-11 pm
        • Saturday 9 am-11 pm

        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, and supplemental Life
        •  Pet Insurance  
        • Tuition reimbursement: Includes licensure fees, professional memberships
        • …and much more! 

        CNAs, PCAs, healthcare 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 who share in these beliefs to apply. 

        E-Verify Employer, Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action 

        Salary : $18 - $20

        If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
        Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

        What is the career path for a Direct Support Professional / DDS?

        Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Direct Support Professional / DDS career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
        Income Estimation: 
        $33,798 - $39,833
        Income Estimation: 
        $33,064 - $42,066
        Employees: Get a Salary Increase
        View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

        Job openings at NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York

        • NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York Tarrytown, NY
        • NAFI Connecticut provides programs, consultation, and support services in a variety of settings across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. We work wit... more
        • 10 Days Ago

        • NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York Tarrytown, NY
        • Join Our Dynamic Team at NAFI New York! (*Inquire about our SIGN ON Bonus $2,000.00 *) NAFI Connecticut | Rhode Island | New York is a dynamic multi-servic... more
        • 11 Days Ago

        • NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York North Haven, CT
        • Are you passionate about empowering others and being a positive force in their lives? We're looking for compassionate, skilled professionals to help guide ... more
        • 14 Days Ago

        • NAFI Connecticut / Rhode Island / New York Litchfield, CT
        • NAFI Connecticut provides programs, consultation, and support services in a variety of settings across Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. We work wit... more
        • 14 Days Ago


        Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Direct Support Professional / DDS jobs in the Waterbury, CT area that may be a better fit.

        • CW Resources, Inc. Bristol, CT
        • CW’s Core Values: Mission Driven, Teamwork Makes Us Stronger, & Everyone Brings Value! Take a glimpse into why CW might be the right place for you: https:/... more
        • 15 Days Ago

        • THE ARC OF LITCHFIELD COUNTY INC HARWINTON, CT
        • Job Details Level : Entry Job Location : NORTH ROAD GROUP HOME - HARWINTON, CT Position Type : Full-Time/Part-Time/Per Diem Salary Range : $19.20 Hourly Tr... more
        • 15 Days Ago

        AI Assistant is available now!

        Feel free to start your new journey!