DDS Summer Urban Youth | Berkshires/ Western Mass. Area | Direct Care Worker

Massachusetts; Northampton (MA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for dedicated interns to join their Urban Youth Collaborative program. This exciting opportunity allows young adults to gain hands-on experience in the Human Services field while supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Interns will engage in community outings, plan activities, and provide essential care, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. If you're passionate about helping others and eager to learn, this internship is perfect for you. Join a compassionate team dedicated to empowering individuals and enriching communities this summer!

Qualifications

• Must be between 18-24 years old with a valid driver's license.
• Ability to assist individuals with daily living activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal care support and encourage community involvement.
• Plan and lead activities for individuals in residences.

Skills

Compassionate Care

Communication Skills

Activity Planning

Transportation Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Driver's License

Job description

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is sponsoring a great program called the "Urban Youth Collaborative". This program offers students between the ages of 18 and 24 the opportunity to enrich the lives of both the students and the individuals receiving supports within the Central West Region, Berkshires/ Western Mass. Area. The goal of this program is to give young adults exposure into the field of Human Services, enabling them to strongly consider a career supporting people with developmental disabilities. The DDS Central West Region is seeking hard working and compassionate candidates to serve as interns in direct care.

The Central West Region of DDS is both large in geographic size and employment opportunities. Central West DDS employs over 1,500 dedicated staff who provide innovative and compassionate care directly or on behalf of thousands of individuals with disabilities. These services are delivered across seven area offices, a regional office, three state operated offices and nearly 100 state operated group homes in dozens of communities. With offices in Pittsfield, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Southbridge, Worcester, Templeton and Fitchburg, we have opportunities for most everyone.

The program opens in the middle of May and runs to Labor Day Weekend. This Summer session is restricted to a maximum 90-day appointment. It will be necessary for participants to be available for the entire summer, and unfortunately no vacations will be granted. All participants must have a valid driver’s license.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide both personal care support and participate in the involvement of the individuals into the community.
• Support & encourage interaction and integration into the community for the individuals.
• Accompany the individuals on frequent community outings and day trips such as attending concerts, Patriot’s training camp, trips to aquariums, restaurants, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Plan, set up, and lead a variety of activities at the individual’s residences. Activities include, but are not limited to: music and movement, arts & crafts, cooking and baking, and social events such as coffee and ice cream get-togethers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to assist and facilitate activities of daily living, such as household maintenance, self-care and hygiene, food shopping and preparation, budgeting, leisure activities and social skill development.
• Capability to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility.

Urban Youth Collaborative Requirements:

• Applicant must be between 18-24 years old.
• Have a valid driver's license.
• Must have a reliable form of transportation.

Please Note:

Schedule: These positions will be on either the first and second shifts with specified days off.

Pay: All State employees are paid bi-weekly through direct deposit. Current Urban Youth Collaborative pay rate is $22.09/hour.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-developmental-services

For more information about the Urban Youth Collaborative visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/dds-urban-youth-collaborative-internship

Pre-Offer Process

A criminal history check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppcabuser-registry
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided for the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link, and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.