Direct Care Worker II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Athol (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 essential support to individuals with developmental disabilities. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in the field of human services. As a shift supervisor, you will lead a team, ensuring the well-being of individuals and facilitating their personal growth. Join a dedicated team committed to creating innovative opportunities for individuals to thrive in their communities. If you are passionate about making a difference and advancing your career in a supportive environment, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in direct support for individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to provide supervision and training to staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with personal care and nutritional needs.
• Oversee health and safety by administering medications.

Skills

Direct support services

Communication skills

Supervisory skills

Knowledge of health and safety procedures

Education

Associate’s degree in human services

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Direct Care Worker II (250003JN)

Direct Care Worker II - ( 250003JN )

Description

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, including for potential candidates who are 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.

Special Requirements:
Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

This position is located in the Templeton Community Services Program in Athol, MA.

Schedule: 2:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Days Off: 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

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: 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.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: 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.

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Athol - Res 5489

Job

: Direct Care

Agency

: Department of Developmental Services

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Evening

Job Posting

: Apr 16, 2025, 4:45:03 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] - 8572835830

Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No