Direct Care Worker II

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Developmental Services, is seeking a Direct Care Worker II in Bedford, MA. The role provides direct care and supports daily living activities for individuals with developmental disabilities, promoting rights and community participation.

Responsibilities include implementing programs, supervising and guiding staff, and ensuring safety. Must have valid driver's license and MAP/CPR/First Aid certifications; pre-employment screening applies.

Qualifications

• One year of full-time or equivalent direct support experience.
• Associate degree or higher in a human services field may substitute for required experience.
• Knowledge of developmental disabilities and community integration is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist habilitative, behavioral and recreational programs and related duties.
• Promote growth, rights and community integration in interactions with individuals served.
• Provide daily care and support, including routines and documentation as required.
• Report abuse or neglect to supervisors and document incidents per regulations.
• May transport individuals to work, appointments, or activities.
• Maintain confidential records and participate in crisis intervention as needed.

Skills

Empathy care

Clear communication

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in human services

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

Direct Care Worker II (260005CR)

This Position is located in Bedford, MA

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a caring and compassionate applicant for the role of Direct Care Worker II (DSW II) who is committed to building meaningful relationships in order to provide outstanding care and service. The Direct Care Worker II provides direct care services and aid to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing for the participants' needs in daily living and those skills necessary for community life.

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

• Assist in the implementation of habilitative, behavioral and recreational programs; perform program-related cooking and housekeeping duties; dispense medications in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations;


• Communicate about, and with, the individuals served in a manner which promotes their growth, human rights and integration into the community;


• Assist, instruct and support individuals in understanding and exercising their rights to their fullest potential;


• Report, as mandatory reporters, all abuse and neglect to the residential supervisor and to the Director of Residential support all incidences of abuse in accordance with regulations; and complete required paperwork;


• May drive individuals to work, appointments and recreational outings;


• Perform crisis intervention; and maintain confidential records of individuals.

Incumbents at this level, based on assignment may act as a shift supervisor, and are responsible for duties including the following:

• Monitor Direct Care Worker I's (DSW I's) to ensure that they are acting as advocates, and demonstrating respect and positive regard for individuals with developmental disabilities.


• Function as a working supervisor, providing daily supervision and training to DSW I's through instruction in the daily routines and schedules of individuals with developmental disabilities, through demonstration, and role modeling, in order to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive appropriate services and opportunities within a normalized environment.


• As a shift supervisor, implement services that ensure the safety and health of individuals by maintaining a safe and clean home environment: Observe, evaluate, and take appropriate and timely action in notifying pertinent medical staff of health related issues, and performing other related assignments for the purpose of providing optimal care to persons with developmental disabilities.


• Make staff assignments within residence, as shift supervisor.


• Assist in the evaluations of DSW I's.


• Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull heavy objects.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the comprehensive service needs of persons with developmental/intellectual disabilities and their families/guardians.


• Ability to give written or verbal instructions in a clear and understandable manner, and to plan, assign and coordinate the activities of others.

Agency Requirements:

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


• Applicants must pass the Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification;


• After successfully completing a training program, the selected candidate must acquire and maintain; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid (FA) certification.

This position is designated as an "EMERGENCY" position in the Department of Developmental Services Emergency Plan. This means that whenever the Governor declares that the Commonwealth is in a state of emergency, selected applicant will be required to report to work. This is a 24hour/7 days a week staff position. Candidates must be able to be flexible in their work schedule. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in this position to be able to perform "MANDATORY OVERTIME" when circumstances dictate the need.

This position is located in the Northeast Regional Services in Bedford, MA

Hours: 40 Full Time
Schedule: 7am-3:30pm
Days Off: Sunday/Monday

The Department of Developmental Services is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.

Pre-Hire Process:

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:

• Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search: https:cppdmass.gov


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

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

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.


• 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 / Aff. 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 dont 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-Bedford - Res 7271

Job

Direct Care

Agency

Department of Developmental Services

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Aug 4, 2026, 1:46:43 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

52,178.36 - 67,380.30 Yearly

Confidential

No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule

No