Direct Service Worker

Advocates; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates in Newton, MA seeks an entry-level Direct Service Worker to support residents with mental health and/or substance use challenges. Starting at $19.00/hour, the role involves supervising daily activities, providing guidance, and assisting with medication management and community integration.

Schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 2pm–10pm. Minimum Education: High School Diploma or GED; Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent with one year related experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or HS Diploma/GED with 1 year related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, judgement and coaching skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Ability to utilize basic computer applications.
• Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centered, team-oriented environment.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have access to an insured vehicle for transporting clients.

Responsibilities

• Participate in development of treatment plans and attend treatment meetings.
• Document progress towards treatment plans.
• Perform interventions to address goals and develop skills.
• Provide linkage with program staff and other providers.
• Communicate participants’ progress and changes in daily notes.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance and supervision to clients.
• Monitor community integration issues with supervisor guidance.
• Attend core trainings (CPR/First Aid, Crisis Management, MAP).

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Computer basics

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree; or HS diploma with 1 year related experience

Tools

Basic computer applications

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $19.00/hour

Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday 2pm-10pm

Come join the Advocates team as a Direct Service Worker! In this entry-level role, you will support individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents.You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program residents, following individualized plans to increase independence and achieve goals. You will also be responsible for medication management, assisting with finances, and helping residents integrate into the community.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’rea nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Shift

First Shift

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of treatment plans and attend other treatment meetings, including weekly staff meetings.
• Document progress towards treatment plans.
• Perform interventions with clients that address their identified goals and result in skill development.
• Provide linkage with other program staff and other service providers.
• Communicate program participant’s progress, mental status, and any changes in daily notes.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, role modeling and supervision to clients.
• Identify and address community integration issues for clients with supervisor’s direction.
• Monitor and document medication administration.
• Ensure a clean, safe and home-like environment for clients.
• Remain alert at all times throughout scheduled work shift.
• Ensure all paperwork, reports, trainings are up to date and completed within the Divisions expected timelines
• Attend and actively participate in core training and maintain certification of required trainings (CPR/First Aid, Crisis Management, MAP).
• Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree; or High School Diploma or equivalent degree and one year of related experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, judgement and coaching skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to utilize basic computer applications.
• Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centered, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Must hold a valid driver's license, have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.
• Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.