Direct Care Worker II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Direct Care Worker II to provide vital support to individuals with developmental disabilities. This role offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth within the Department of Developmental Services. As a shift supervisor, you will ensure the well-being of individuals, assist with personal care, and promote their rights and choices. Join a dedicated team focused on creating meaningful opportunities for those in need, while enjoying a supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion. If you are passionate about making a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in direct support services for individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to supervise and train staff effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with personal care and daily needs.
• Oversee health and safety as a shift supervisor.

Skills

Direct support services

Communication skills

Supervisory skills

Knowledge of health and safety procedures

Education

Associate’s degree in human services

Experience in providing direct support

Tools

Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

ALERT

Effective January 25, 2024, Executive Order #627 cements the Commonwealth's well-established practice of skills-based hiring, paving the way to a more equitable hiring process. The Commonwealth is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to serve our citizens. Join us today!

Job Description - Direct Care Worker II (250003HS)

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a caring and compassionate applicant for the role of Direct Care Worker II (DCW II). The DCW II position is a shift supervisor position that provides oversight and direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The position is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in furthering their career within the Department of Developmental Services, as it affords valuable work experience to build one’s foundation for professional development and advancement.

Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Assist individuals in meeting his/her personal care and nutritional needs;
• Assist and support individuals in making choices in his/her life;
• Maintain individuals’ rights by complying with applicable laws and regulations;
• Provide leisure activities; may drive individuals to work, appointments, and to recreational activities;
• Provide daily supervision and training to Direct Care Worker I staff to ensure that they are acting as advocates for the individuals and demonstrate respect and positive regard for individuals with developmental disabilities;
• Oversee, as the shift supervisor, the health and safety of the individuals by administering medications;
• Communicate with appropriate medical and health care providers regarding health concerns and accompany individuals to various appointments as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of practices and procedures necessary to assure the health and safety of individuals, including evacuation procedures.
• Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the activities of others.
• Ability to give written or oral instructions in a clear and understandable manner.

Agency Requirements

• Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Please Note:

• This position is located in the Pioneer Valley Homes program in Amherst, MA.
• Shift: 11:00pm-9:00am
• Days Off: Thursday/Friday/Saturday

This is a 24 hour/7 days a week staff position. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in this position to be able to perform mandatory overtime when circumstances dictate the need.

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.

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

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

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

• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have (A) at least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in providing direct support services to persons with developmental/intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions

An Associate’s degree or higher with a major in a human services field, including sociology, special education, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

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.

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.

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.

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Amherst - Res 6003

Job

Direct Care

Agency

Department of Developmental Services

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Night

Job Posting

Apr 10, 2025, 12:53:46 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

49,168.86 - 63,494.08 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Christina Hyppolite, [e-mail] - 857-283-5830

Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No