Direct Support Staff

Advocates; City Mills (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates is seeking Direct Support Staff to provide hands-on support to adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. You will assist with daily living activities, personal care, meals, routines, and community outings, while fostering independence and meaningful relationships.

This entry-level role emphasizes respect, dignity, and person-centered planning. Join a nonprofit team committed to inclusion and growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in human services or with similar populations preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals.
• Commitment to supporting culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support at home and in the community.
• Help plan and implement daily routines and activities.
• Support individuals in setting and achieving person-centered goals.
• Encourage participation in community and social opportunities.
• Support household cleaning and maintenance tasks.
• Document observations, progress, and any concerns.
• Implement established treatment and support plans.
• Provide physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary.
• Maintain required certifications (CPR/First Aid, MAP, SOLVE, HR/DPPC).
• Ensure individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and in alignment with Human Rights policies.

Skills

Compassionate communication

Team player

Interpersonal skills

Coaching

Basic computer skills

Driver's license

Cultural competency

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Friday 3pm-11pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-3pm

We’relooking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated team players to provide meaningful support to individuals in a residential setting. Ifyou’reready to start—or grow!—your career in human services, this isa great opportunityto make a real impact every day.

As a Direct Support Staff, you’llprovide hands‑on support, guidance, and encouragement to adults with developmental disabilities. This is an entry‑level role with meaningful responsibilities and the chance to build lasting relationships. In this role, you’llassist individuals with daily living activities, such as personal care, meals, routines and community outings – while helping them build skills and independence.

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

• Provide daily support at home and in the community
• Help plan and implement daily routines and activities
• Support individuals in setting and achieving person-centered goals
• Encourage participation in community and social opportunities
• Support household cleaning and maintenance tasks
• Document observations, progress, and any concerns
• Implement established treatment and support plans
• Provide physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary
• Maintain required certifications (CPR/First Aid, MAP, SOLVE, HR/DPPC)
• Ensure individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and in alignment with Human Rights policies

Qualifications

• Highschooldiplomaor equivalent required
• Experience in human services or with similar populations preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented, person‑centered environment
• Basic computer skills required
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals
• Commitment to supporting 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.