Direct Support Professional (DSP) 2nd shift
Job Description
Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Behavioral Health
Location: East Hartford, CT and Surrounding Area | Pay: $20.00/hour | Schedule: Primarily Second Shift; First Shift and Overnights Also Available
Join our Team!
Are you calm under pressure, consistent in your approach, and passionate about supporting individuals with complex needs? If so, Arbor Associates wants to hear from you!
At Arbor Associates, we are not just about staffing — we are deeply committed to the communities we serve. For nearly 40 years, we've been a trusted leader in Southern New England, connecting compassionate caregivers with meaningful opportunities that make a real difference every day.
We're seeking dependable, compassionate Direct Support Professionals to provide hands-on support to adults with developmental and behavioral health needs in the East Hartford area. This is a community-based, residential program — you'll be out in the neighborhoods with clients, helping them build independence and access their community.
Job Requirements
How you'll Contribute
A Direct Support Professional empowers individuals with disabilities or special needs to live as independently and meaningfully as possible. In this behavioral health role, you'll build genuine, consistent relationships with the adults you support — serving as a steady presence that helps them navigate daily life, access their community, and work toward their personal goals.
What You'll Do
- Provide direct support and personal care assistance to adults with developmental disabilities and complex behavioral needs
- Accompany clients on community outings and neighborhood walks
- Implement behavioral support plans and respond to behaviors using approved techniques
- Document daily activities, progress notes, and incident reports accurately and on time
- Build genuine, consistent relationships with the individuals you support
- Collaborate with program staff and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members at every shift transition
- Follow all program policies, safety protocols, and confidentiality requirements
- Demonstrate professionalism and accountability in every assignment
Qualifications - High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 6 months of experience in direct care, behavioral health, developmental disabilities, or a related human services field preferred — not required
- Comfort working with individuals who exhibit significant behavioral challenges; this is a high-need program best suited to someone calm, consistent, and patient
- Experience with or willingness to be trained in Physical Management Techniques (PMT); prior PMT certification a plus — training will be provided
- Ability to assist with personal care, including bathing, hygiene, and toileting
- Valid driver's license required
- Reliable weekend availability for second shift
- Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset
- Current CPR/First Aid certification preferred
- Ability to pass all required background checks, including Criminal History, Sexual Offender Registry, and DCF/DCYF screening
- Must be 18 years of age or older and authorized to work in the United States
Physical Requirements - Ability to lift and/or move individuals or objects up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance
- Ability to stand for extended periods and participate in indoor and outdoor activities
- Ability to bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel to accommodate client needs
- Physical interventions may be required depending on assignment
Available Schedules - Primary need: Second shift, including weekends
- Additional opportunities: First shift and overnight shifts available
Consistent second shift availability, including weekends, is required for this role.
Why You'll Love Working with Arbor Associates
- Nearly 40 Years of Experience — we know how to support our staff and help them succeed
- Competitive Pay at $20.00/hour
- Flexible Scheduling — shift options to fit your availability
- Variety of Assignments — diverse clients and settings across Southern New England
- 24/7 Availability — our team is on call around the clock to support you
- 4-Hour Cancellation Policy — if a shift is canceled late, you receive 4 hours of pay
- Career Pathing — training, certifications, and opportunities for advancement
- Benefits — available for those consistently working full-time hours
- Tailored Training — including PMT training provided for this role
- Transparent Communication — prompt, clear, and honest at every step
- Supportive, Respectful Culture — at Arbor, we're more than coworkers; we're a team
- Dedicated Support — a dedicated point of contact at every stage
Arbor Associates serves Southern New England, including Greater Boston, Central and Western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. We live and work in these communities and are committed to providing the care and support needed to help them thrive.
Arbor Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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Apply today and join a team that's been making a difference for nearly 40 years.
Meet Your Recruiter
Human Resources Manager
Judith Saraf joined Arbor in 2023 as the Human Resources Manager, responsible for overseeing HR functions and teams. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Plymouth State University and brings with her over 27 years of Human Resources related experience and knowledge working in the healthcare and hospitality fields. Judith has assisted companies streamline and implement HRIS systems, lead organizations through the shift to consumer driven health plans, executed talent management strategies including recruitment and retention initiatives and has many years of experience with internal employee and labor relations. She has a passion for employee engagement with creative programs and is one of many things she looks forward to bringing to the Arbor team. When not at work, she enjoys painting, and spending time with her husband and 3 sons. Judith also enjoys volunteering with “A Wish Come True” - a nonprofit that delivers wishes to critically ill children in Southeastern MA and Rhode Island.