Direct Care Worker IV

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Danvers (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Danvers, MA seeks a Direct Care Worker IV at Hogan Regional Center to coordinate resident programs and supervise DSW I-III staff, ensuring rights and active treatment.

This 24/7 role requires flexible hours, overtime, and the ability to work under emergency conditions; CPR/First Aid certification and a valid Class D license are required; the position includes onboarding new staff and maintaining a safe, homelike environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years direct support experience with developmental disabilities, at least 1 year in supervisory/leadership.
• Associate’s degree or higher in a human services field.
• Valid Class D motor vehicle operator’s license.
• CPR and First Aid certification within required timeframe.
• Willingness to work mandatory overtime and emergency duties.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and assist DSW I-III staff to deliver day services and uphold residents’ rights.
• Serve as Unit Supervisor on Third shift with unit and facility operations responsibilities.
• Coordinate scheduling, coverage, and transportation to programs and medical appointments.
• Act as Divisional Supervisor to ensure resident safety and policy compliance.
• Provide indirect supervision through role modelling, instruction, and evaluation.
• Maintain a homelike environment and coordinate active treatment and supports.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding of new staff.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Supervisory experience

Program coordination

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree or higher in Human Services

Job description

Direct Care Worker IV - (260005LM)

Description

This position is located at Hogan Regional Center 1 HC, (Emergency Stabilization Unit) in Danvers, MA

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is seeking to hire a Developmental Services Worker IV (DSW IV) who exhibits enthusiasm, compassion, and a strong work ethic to work at the Hogan Regional Center working with residents who are intellectually and physically disabled. The DSW IV position coordinates and oversees the resident programs with regards to active treatment and ensures proper implementation of habilitative, behavioral and recreational programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees, supervises and assists DSW I, II and III staff in the daily provision of services to ensure that individuals receive the necessary supports and opportunities throughout their day and that individual’s rights are maintained.
• As the Unit Supervisor on the Third shift responsibilities also include operations of the Unit and at times the facility.
• Assists in setting up the first shift as needed with scheduling, coverage and transportation of individuals to program sites and medical appointments and performs other related duties as required.
• Acts as Divisional Supervisor to ensure resident safety and proper implementation of policies and procedures.
• Provides ongoing indirect supervision to employees through role modeling, demonstration, instruction, and evaluation.
• Monitors the environment to facilitate a homelike environment and coordinates the delivery of services and supports to ensure appropriate and active treatment.
• Monitors and implements all aspects of behavioral programs and interventions, mentoring staff and assist in the ADL/ direct care routines in the home environment.
• Assists with recruiting, interviewing and hiring of new staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven knowledge of DDS Regulations, Policies, and Practices, including service delivery systems.
• In-depth understanding of Title XIX regulations, program requirements, and the philosophy and programs of the Department of Developmental Services.
• Competent in-service provision, program monitoring, and accountability processes.
• Insightful on issues related to intellectual and physical disabilities, knowledge of mandated training requirements.
• Strong communication skills.
• Modern management and administrative expertise; adept at working independently.
• Experienced in managing and supervising within a unionized workforce; trained in cultural diversity.
• Experienced in planning facility consolidation and related issues with a successful track record in staffing, personnel management, hiring, labor relations, overtime, and budget management.
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and organizational skills; skilled in preparing accurate documents and reports within timelines.
• Ability to assist customers from diverse backgrounds, adherent to guidelines and procedures.
• Proficient in software applications such as desktop publishing, project management, spreadsheets, and database management.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively in teams; possess strong organizational skills; effective in following up on assignments for adequacy and rapid issue resolution

Agency Requirements

• Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License;
• After successfully completing a training program, the selected candidate must acquire and maintain; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid (FA) certification.

Please Note

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.

Schedule

Saturday through Wednesday, 6:45am - 3:15p.m.

Days off: Thursday/Friday

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-Hire Process

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

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

ADA Reasonable Accommodation

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.

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

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT. Listed salary ranges are for one full year at current rates.

Qualifications

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

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least three (3) years of full-time or equivalent part-time, experience in providing direct support services to persons with developmental/ intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities, of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a supervisory or leadership capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. 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 a maximum one (1) year of the required (A) 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 / Aff…

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.

Official Title: Developmental Services Wrk IV

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Danvers-450 Maple Street

Job: Direct Care

Agency: Department of Developmental Services

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: Sep 1, 2026, 3:51:51 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 64,596.22 - 88,019.10 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affluent Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kendy Derival, [e-mail] - 8572835867

Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No