Behavioral Direct Care Worker I

Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services; Rutland (MA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services is seeking skilled Direct Care Workers to provide behavioral support to individuals with disabilities. This role emphasizes crisis prevention and intervention in a structured environment. Ideal candidates will possess resilience and compassion, with the opportunity for career growth and comprehensive training.

Benefits

Paid training in MAP, CPR and behavioral crisis response

Comprehensive clinical supervision and collaboration

Excellent state benefits and union protections

Career growth potential

Qualifications

• Experience with severe challenging behaviors in various settings.
• Training in behavioral data collection and high-intensity supervision.
• Ability to pass MAP training and obtain CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with high-intensity behaviors.
• Implement behavioral intervention plans with clinical teams.
• Document behavior frequency and intervention effectiveness.

Skills

Crisis stabilization

Trauma-informed care

Behavioral intervention

Emotional regulation

Problem-solving skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Support Lives. Manage Crisis. Build Skills.

Be the difference in someone's most challenging moments.

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking Direct Care Workers who are skilled, dedicated, and resilient—ready to provide hands-on behavioral support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who also present with complex behavioral needs

This role is ideal for professionals with experience in crisis stabilization, trauma-informed care, or ABA-based intervention. You will work in a highly structured, behaviorally supported setting where safety, dignity, and positive behavioral change are at the heart of everything you do.

Open positions :

• 1 position on day shifts ( rate $25.34 / hr including the pay rate of $22.09 / hr and the MOU)
• 4 position s on evening shifts ( rate $27.59 / hr including the pay rate of $22.09 / hr , the MOU and shift differential)
• 1 position on overnight shifts ( rate $27.59 / hr including the pay rate of $22.09 / hr, the MOU and the shift differential)

Key Responsibilities :

• Provide support for individuals with histories of aggression, self-injury, property destruction, elopement, and other high-intensity behaviors
• Implement specialized behavioral intervention plans working closely with clinical teams
• Use proactive strategies to reduce escalation and reinforce skill development
• Apply crisis de-escalation and emergency safety interventions as necessary, always using the least restrictive approach
• Support daily living tasks (personal care, hygiene, meals, community outings) while embedding behavioral goals
• Document behavior frequency, severity, and intervention effectiveness with consistency and accuracy
• Participate in team meetings, safety planning, and ISP reviews

Ideal Candidates Will Have :

• Experience working with individuals with severe challenging behaviors (e.g., in ABA clinics, intensive group homes, psychiatric units, or emergency respite programs)
• Training or comfort with behavioral data collection , restraint prevention, and high-intensity supervision
• Strong emotional regulation and problem-solving skills
• An understanding of trauma-informed care , and the ability to maintain compassion and composure during crisis events
• Physical stamina to assist individuals who may require hands-on support or physical intervention

Minimum Qualifications :

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid MA Driver's License (Class D)
• Ability to pass the Medication Administration Program (MAP) training
• Ability to obtain CPR and First Aid certification upon hire (training provided)
• Must complete all required DDS trainings related to crisis intervention, behavioral safety, and emergency response

Why Join DDS?

• Opportunities to work in behaviorally intensive programs where your training and instincts matter
• Comprehensive clinical supervision and team collaboration
• Paid training in MAP, CPR / FA , behavioral crisis response, and more
• Career growth potential within the state system
• Excellent state benefits and union protections

If you are looking for meaningful, hands-on work that requires skill, grit, and compassion—this is your chance. Apply now to support individuals at their most vulnerable and be a part of real behavioral change.