Direct Support Professional - DSP - In Home Supports

Job Details: Level: Entry, Job Location: Riverfront IHS - Torrington, CT, Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time/Per Diem, Salary Range: $19.20Hourly, Travel Percentage: Negligible, Job Shift: All Shifts 1st,2nd,3rd, Direct Support Professionals – In-Home Supports

Starting Pay: $19.20/hour | Outstanding Benefits | 3 Weeks Vacation in Your First Year

Make a Difference. Build Independence. Be Part of Someone’s Success.

The Arc of Litchfield County, Inc. (LARC) is looking for compassionate, dependable, and motivated Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to join our In-Home/Independent Housing Support Program.

This isn’t a role where every day looks the same. You’ll work one-on-one with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), helping each person build the skills, confidence, and independence to live the life they choose in their own home and community.

If you enjoy connecting with people, working independently, and knowing that your work has a meaningful impact, we’d love to meet you.

What Does In-Home Support Look Like?

As a DSP, you’ll provide individualized support based on each person’s goals, interests, and daily needs. One day you might help someone plan meals and grocery shop; another might include going to the gym, tackling household tasks, running errands, or getting out into the community.

Your role may include:

Preparing meals and supporting healthy menu planning
Assisting with household chores, cleaning, and organization
Grocery shopping, errands, and community activities
Supporting exercise and fitness routines
Helping individuals participate in recreational activities they enjoy
Teaching and reinforcing daily living and independent living skills
Encouraging choice, self-advocacy, and greater independence
Providing dependable, respectful, and compassionate support

Most importantly, you'll focus on what each person can do and wants to accomplish, providing the right level of support to help them get there.

Because you'll often work independently, we're looking for people who are comfortable taking initiative, using good judgment, communicating effectively, and following through on responsibilities.

What You’ll Need

Must be at least 21 years old
Valid Connecticut driver's license with a clean driving record
High school diploma or GED
Ability to successfully complete required background checks and a pre-employment physical
Flexibility to work a variety of hours, including multiple shifts and weekends
Reliability, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to supporting others

Even Better If You Have:

CPR, First Aid, PMT, or Medication Administration certification
Experience with Therap and/or Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)
Previous experience in human services, caregiving, residential services, behavioral health, or disability services

New to this kind of work? That's okay. If you bring the right attitude, compassion, and willingness to learn, LARC provides the required training to help you succeed.

Why Join LARC?

Excellent Health Insurance
Employee premiums as low as $15.19 per week

Generous Paid Time Off
Enjoy 3 weeks of vacation in your first year

Flexible Opportunities
A variety of shifts and schedules are available

Paid Training & Development
We'll help you build the skills and certifications you need to succeed

Meaningful One-on-One Work
Build relationships and see firsthand how your support helps someone become more independent

A Culture of Belonging
Join an inclusive organization grounded in dignity, respect, choice, and opportunity

Bring Your Strengths. Help Someone Build Theirs.

You don't need to have years of experience to make a great DSP. Some of the qualities that matter most can't be taught: reliability, patience, curiosity, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and self-directed life.

If that sounds like you, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and discover how rewarding it can be to help someone build greater independence — one day, one goal, and one success at a time.

LARC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing for illegal substances is required.

Keywords: Direct Support Professional, DSP, CNA, PCA, personal care attendant, in-home supports, independent living, community support, direct care, human services, social services, disability services, I/DD, DDS, caregiving, nonprofit, behavioral health, autism support, independent housing, person-centered care.
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING: What You’ll Bring

A positive attitude, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others.
A high school diploma or GED.
At least 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Willingness to complete background checks and physical.
Basic computer skills and a commitment to teamwork.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Being a Direct Support Professional (DSP) is an active, hands-on role that requires both physical and emotional energy. Each day can look a little different, but every task contributes to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for the people you support.

To be successful in this position, you’ll need to:

Stay active and engaged: DSPs spend much of their day on their feet — walking, standing, and moving throughout residential homes, program sites, or the community. You may assist with household chores, accompany individuals on walks or recreational activities, and provide transportation to appointments or outings.
Safely assist individuals: You may need to lift or transfer individuals, push wheelchairs, or assist with mobility equipment. This role requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds (or ¼ of your body weight) and to support another person safely during transfers or emergencies.
Move with flexibility: You’ll frequently bend, squat, kneel, climb stairs, and reach to provide care, assist with dressing, prepare meals, or participate in activities.
Respond quickly and calmly: Occasionally, you may need to move quickly — whether redirecting a situation, helping someone who’s unsteady, or intervening in an emergency.
Communicate and document effectively: Clear speech, hearing, reading, writing, and basic computer skills are essential to communicate with individuals, colleagues, and supervisors, and to accurately complete documentation and reports.
Maintain stamina and focus: DSPs must have sufficient endurance to perform their duties for extended periods — staying alert, supportive, and responsive throughout the shift.
Drive safely: Many DSPs transport individuals using agency or personal vehicles, requiring a valid driver’s license, safe driving history, and comfort navigating local routes.
Work in varied environments: You’ll work indoors and outdoors, in residential and community settings. Conditions may include household environments, exposure to cleaning products, or occasional outdoor activities in variable weather.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified candidates with disabilities.

LARC provides comprehensive training on all safety and lifting procedures to help protect both you and the individuals you serve.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.