Direct Support Professional - Day Shift - $20-$21/hr

NEEDS Center; Tewksbury (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

FSA

403B Retirement Plan

Generous PTO

11 Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition-Free Master’s Degree

Job summary

The NEEDS Center is hiring Direct Care Specialists to assist adults with autism in our Day Program. This full‑time role in Tewksbury, MA runs Monday–Friday, 8:00am–4:00pm, with the location moving to Woburn, MA in February 2027. No experience is required and training is provided.

We offer a $1,500 sign‑on bonus and pay of $20–$21 per hour. Benefits include health/dental/vision, a 403(b) with employer match, generous PTO and holidays, tuition reimbursement, and a tuition‑free Master’s option.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor's degree preferred (but not necessary)
• Experience with behavior management preferred (but not necessary)
• Empathy and a willingness to help people with developmental disabilities
• Must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and transportation to the Tewksbury office (no public transportation is available)
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Assisting and supporting adults with autism in their daily routines.
• Supporting individuals in developing daily living skills, including grooming, arts & crafts, dressing, cleaning, and toileting.
• Help with clinical, educational and vocational programs.
• Observe and record data for programs established in their Individual and Behavior support plans.
• Participate with the team to create a therapeutic environment that includes planning and helping with recreational, educational, and social activities to engage individuals and enhance their quality of life.

Job description

Come Join a Caring Company In a Growing Industry

Sign on bonus of $1,500! ($750 upon hire and $750 after 6 months of employment--based on hours worked.)

Pay range: $20-$21 per hour (Pay based on experience and MAP Certification.)

Full-time positions available for our Day Program in Tewksbury, MA. (Location will move to Woburn, MA in February 2027)

Day Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm

No experience necessary--and training is provided

The NEEDS Center has openings for Direct Care Specialists who will assist and support adults with autism to live as independently as possible while enjoying all aspects of Community Living. This is a role where you can truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Responsibilities Include

• Assisting and supporting adults with autism in their daily routines.
• Supporting individuals in developing daily living skills, which may include grooming, arts & crafts, dressing, cleaning, and toileting.
• Help with clinical, educational and vocational programs.
• Observe and record data for programs established in their Individual and Behavior support plans.
• Participate with other team members to create a therapeutic environment that includes planning and helping with recreational, educational, and social activities to engage individuals and enhance their quality of life

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor's degree preferred (but not necessary)
• Experience with behavior management preferred (but not necessary)
• Empathy and a willingness to help people with developmental disabilities
• *Must have a valid driver's license, a good driving record, and transportation to the Tewksbury office (no public transportation is available) *
• Ability to work as part of a diverse team.

Great Benefits Include

• Health insurance (Blue Cross)
• Dental insurance, Vision insurance, and FSA
• 403B Retirement Plan (with historically generous employer match)
• Generous PTO
• 11 Paid Holidays PLUS your birthday off!
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Tuition-Free Master's Degree opportunity (yes, that's right!)

The NEEDS Center is a non-profit organization specializing in providing services and support to individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There is a particular emphasis on providing services to individuals with interfering challenging behavior and/or dual diagnosis. The NEEDS Center’s philosophy is rooted in the tenets of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), and Positive Behavior Support (PSB). The services and supports provided by the NEEDS Center draw on the best of both disciplines in order to assist individuals to become as independent as they can be. #NEEDS123