Direct Care Staff - Relief

Advocates; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates is a nonprofit organization in Lexington, MA, hiring Direct Care Staff. You will partner with brain injury survivors to assist with daily activities, household management, shopping, and community-based appointments.

Starting rate is $18.50/hour with focus on empowerment, independence, and inclusion; we value diversity and provide a supportive team-based environment with ongoing growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year experience with cognitive or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Enthusiasm, motivation, open-mindedness, creativity, and desire to thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and sound judgement.
• Ability to operate basic computer applications.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle to transport clients; may drive wheelchair lift-equipped van.
• Strongly prefer a candidate with understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in home and community, including medications and ROM exercises.
• Collaborate with residents to develop treatment and behavior plans, and goal building and achievement.
• Teach and model social and independent living skills; encourage independence.
• Participate in resident, family, team and staff meetings.
• Document progress and shift notes; respond to changes in status or behavior.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Cultural competence

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate $18.50/hour

Direct Care Staff encourage and support individuals to lead fulfilling and more independent lives, focusing on empowerment, awareness and inclusion. In this role, you will partner with brain injury survivors to assist with daily activities such as household management, shopping and community-based appointments.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We're a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives.

Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of every employee and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where people can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including showering, dressing, grooming, toileting, mobility, feeding, taking medications, and Range of Motion (ROM) exercises, both in the home and in the community. Assist with weighing program participants, take vital signs, gathers and records other data as requested.
• Focusing on empowerment, collaborate with residents to develop treatment and behavior plans, and goal building and achievement.
• Teach and model appropriate social and independent living skills. Encourage individuals to perform tasks as independently as possible and to participate in activities.
• Actively participate in resident, family, team and staff meetings.
• Accurately document progress and shift notes, changes to treatment and behavior plans, etc. Recognize and appropriately respond to changes in residents’ status or behavior.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent degree. One year experience providing direct care with people who have cognitive or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Enthusiasm, motivation, open-mindedness, creativity, and the desire to thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and sound judgement.
• Ability to operate basic computer applications.
• Must hold a valid driver's license, have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients. May also drive company-owned wheelchair lift-equipped van.
• Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.