STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Developmental Services Worker 1 (35 Hour Entry Level)

On-site

Recruitment #260121-5661HM-001

Introduction



Ready for a Fun-Filled Summer? Join Our Team!
Experience an unforgettable adventure this season with the State of Connecticut!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is hiring Seasonal Developmental Services Worker 1 – Assistant Directors and Directors at Camp Harkness in Waterford, CT, and Camp Quinebaug in Killingly, CT. If you’re passionate about making a difference, leading activities, and ensuring a positive camp experience, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

These are seasonal positions, and DDS permanent employees will not be considered. Applicants must complete all required DDS training before starting, and all certifications must remain valid for the entire work period. Additionally, candidates must pass a pre-employment physical exam.

Position Highlights:
Camp Harkness, Waterford, CT:
  • Assistant Director (PT, 1st Shift, PCN 142014) – Thursday: 10:30a.m. - 4:00p.m., Friday: 9:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday: 9:00a.m. - 3:00p.m.
  • Assistant Director (PT, 2nd Shift, PCN 142015) – Tuesday, Wednesday: 2:00p.m.- 8:00p.m., Monday: 2:30p.m. - 8:00p.m.
  • Assistant Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 142016) – Sunday-Thursday: 9:00am-4:00pm.
  • Assistant Director (FT, 2nd Shift, PCN 142017) – Monday-Wednesday, Friday: 2:00pm-9:00pm, Thursday: 12:00pm-7:00pm.
  • Boating Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 142018) – Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:30pm.
  • Waterfront Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 142025) – Sunday-Thursday: 8:30am- 4:00pm.
  • Horticultural Activities Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 116156) – Tuesday-Saturday: 8:00am -3:00pm.
  • All positions at Camp Harkness are durational and will end no later than November 12, 2026.
Camp Quinebaug, Killingly CT:
  • Camp Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141960) - Monday-Friday: 7:45am - 2:45pm.
  • Assistant Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141961) – Monday-Friday: 7:45am - 2:45pm.
  • Boating Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141962) – Monday-Friday: 7:45am - 2:45pm.
  • Waterfront Director (FT, 1st Shift, PCN 141963) – Monday-Friday: 7:45am - 2:45pm.
  • All positions at Camp Quinebaug are durational and will end no later than August 6, 2026.
What We Do Together
  • Provide essential support in the overall operation and program activities of the camp.
  • Assist individuals with disabilities in fully enjoying their camp experience. 
  • Supervise and lead recreational activities, ensuring a safe and engaging environment.
  • Maintain the camp facilities and grounds to build an inviting atmosphere. 
  • Work alongside a dedicated team to deliver outstanding experiences for campers and their families.
Picture This: Every day will be a chance to create meaningful experiences and contribute to an inclusive and fun-filled environment.

What We Are Looking For
We seek individuals who bring energy, leadership, and dependability to our team.

Here’s what it takes to join us:
  • You are at least 18 years old as of May 15, 2026 and ready to commit to the full season.
  • You hold a valid Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard certification, including CPR for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid (certifications must be valid for the entire season).
  • You possess a valid driver’s license and can perform emergency first aid when needed.
  • You are able to work outdoors in various weather conditions and meet the physical demands of the role.
  • Experience working with people with disabilities or in a camp, park, or recreational setting is preferred.
About Us:
DDS partners with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.

Selection Plan

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.

BEFORE YOU APPLY:

  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.

AFTER YOU APPLY:

  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
  • Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.

QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to at Christopher.Lavallee@ct.gov.

Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!

If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Edward Magnano, EEO Manager at (860) 418-6148 or (Edward.Magnano@ct.gov)

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Developmental Services this class is accountable for acting as part of a team in an intensive programming effort designed for the care, guidance, supervision and training of individuals.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Receives training in, then independently implements, policies and procedures designed to achieve objectives of a program for individuals with an intellectual disability;
  • Provides assistance and instruction to individuals in activities of daily living; participates in therapeutic programs for development of individuals capabilities;
  • Provides guidance and instruction to individuals in development of desirable personal habits, hygiene and social relationships;
  • Implements individual program plans;
  • Participates in preparation, serving and feeding of meals;
  • Performs housekeeping duties necessary to maintain a clean and healthy environment;
  • Participates in social and recreational activities;
  • Reinforces appropriate individual behavior through modification techniques;
  • May administer selected oral medications with appropriate training;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to
    • develop a positive relationship with individuals;
    • train individuals in self care habits, personal hygiene and proper social conduct;
    • understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and/or training that could be expected to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working or volunteering with people with disabilities.
  • Experience working in a camp, park, or other recreational setting.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain their Medication Certification as   defined by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing Declaratory Ruling – Delegation by Licensed Nurses to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel,; when working in a location that does not have 24 hour nursing care.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license, Public Passenger Endorsement or Commercial Driver's license for designated positions.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents in this class must possess physical and emotional health for efficient performance of duties; a physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have significant exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; may be exposed to strongly disagreeable conditions.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.


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