Direct Care Worker II

Massachusetts; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a compassionate Direct Care Worker II to provide oversight and direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities. This rewarding role involves assisting individuals with their personal care, supporting their choices, and ensuring their health and safety as a shift supervisor. The position offers valuable experience for those looking to advance their careers in human services. Join a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals, while enjoying comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Mandatory overtime availability

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in direct support services required.
• An Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with personal care and nutritional needs.
• Supervise and train Direct Care Worker I staff.
• Administer medications and oversee health and safety.

Skills

Direct support services

Communication skills

Supervision and training

Knowledge of health and safety practices

Education

Associate’s degree in human services

Experience in developmental disabilities

Tools

Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Job 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.

Agency Requirements:

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

Please Note:
This position is located in the Southwest Valley community Homes Program in Westfield, MA.
• Shift: 3:00pm - 11:00pm
• Days Off: Sun/Mon

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.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Offer 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:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-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

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.

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.

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.

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.