Self-Directing your Care with CT DDS and Rewarding Work
Rewarding Work partners with the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (CT DDS) to offer our service free of charge to individuals and families who qualify for DDS services. Job candidates listed on Rewarding Work are available to support people with developmental and intellectual disabilities—at home or in the community. As a subscriber, you may search Rewarding Work’s online database and/or post your job opening on Rewarding Work’s job board. Rewarding Work is especially useful for anyone who chooses to hire their own supports.
When you choose to hire your own staff, you are considered the employer of record, and are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, managing and supervising the people you hire. Your case manager or support broker can assist you with this. Criminal background checks are required for anyone you hire. The Fiscal Intermediary conducts the background checks on behalf of DDS employers of record.
Use the CT DDS Access Code to Subscribe for Free
To request an access code and begin your free subscription, contact your DDS service coordinator or support broker - or email Rewarding Work at: support@RewardingWork.org
Or download a flyer for details.
For more information about CT DDS services and for a list of regional offices, click below.
Job Titles and Descriptions for CT DDS Participant Directed Programs
When you post a position on the Rewarding Work Job Board, you will need to choose from a drop-down list of job types. More information on the job types are listed below:
(PCA/DSP): PCA and DSP are two different names for the same position. CT DDS uses the term Direct Support Professional (DSP). Other organizations, including the CT Department of Social Services (CT DSS), may use Personal Care Assistant (PCA) to talk about the same kind of job.
A DSP provides many direct care services to individuals, including services in the categories listed below. When creating their job listing, DDS-supported individuals may choose to use the DSP category to recruit for a position that requires a range of general direct care services. For positions that require more specialization in a certain type of direct care service, employers may instead choose to list the job using one of the more specific categories below to attract a DSP who is more specialized in a certain area.
Caregiver: A Caregiver is a general term for someone who provides direct care. Caregiver is not tied to a specific waivered support from DDS. To find the best-suited job applicants, we encourage you to select a job type from the list on this page that more closely matches the support need.
Companion: A companion or “Adult Companion” provides non-medical care, supervision and socialization. Companionship and support to engage in social activities and community life. This support occurs in the home and in the community.
Respite Worker: Provides support and supervision during times when the primary caregiver is absent or needs a planned break. This support occurs in the home and in the community.
Individual Home Supports: Support focus on increasing independence in an individual’s own home or family home; wellness, and to support community inclusion.
Individual Day Supports: Support focus on meaningful daytime connections through volunteering and community engagement. Supports may also focus on pre-employment
supports (work skills, soft skills, travel skills).
Senior supports: Senior Supports: Retirement-based daytime program(s) that may be conducted out of the Individual's home, or other community locations as programmatically appropriate.
Behavior Specialist: A DSP with previous experience in Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), ABA Therapy, or other relevant experience areas.
Individual Goods and Services (IDGS) Supervisor: Employee who assists with the day-to-day coordination of services and with supervision of direct hire employees, such as DSP’s.
Job Coach: Job Coaches provide Employment-based supports through Individualized services delivered in the Individual’s place of employment or in a variety of pre-vocational settings.
Skills Trainer: See Individualized Day Supports.