Direct Service Worker

Advocates; Newton Corner (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates in Newton Corner, MA is seeking a Direct Service Worker to support individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges. The role involves supervising daily activities, providing guidance, and implementing individualized plans to foster independence, along with medication management and community integration.

The position offers a blended shift schedule (Tue-Fri 2pm-10pm and Sat 9am-5pm) with a starting rate of $18.50/hour, reflecting a hands-on, team-based environment in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or High School Diploma/GED with 1 year of related experience.
• Experience in the Behavioral Health field is preferred.
• 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.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle for transporting clients.
• Diversity understanding and competence is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in development of treatment plans and attend treatment meetings.
• Document progress towards treatment plans.
• Perform interventions addressing identified goals to develop skills.
• Coordinate with program staff and other service providers.
• Communicate participants' progress, mental status, and changes in daily notes.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, role modeling and supervision to clients.
• Address community integration issues with supervisor guidance.
• Monitor and document medication administration.
• Maintain a clean, safe, home-like environment for clients.
• Remain alert during the scheduled shift.
• Complete paperwork, reports, trainings within required timelines.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Coaching skills

Teamwork

Computer basics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Tuesday through Friday 2pm-10pm and Saturday 9am-5pm

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

Blended 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.
• Experience working in the Behavioral Health Field
• 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.