Direct Support Staff

Advocates; Douglas (MA); On-site; USD 21,025 - 29,945; Part time

Job summary

Advocates is seeking enthusiastic Direct Support Staff to provide hands-on support to adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. This entry-level role focuses on daily living activities, personal care, meals, routines, and community outings to help individuals build skills and independence.

The position offers the second shift (Tuesday to Saturday, 2:30pm–10:30pm) with a starting rate of $18.50 per hour.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support at home and in the community.
• Assist with daily living activities, personal care, meals, and routines.
• Support individuals in setting and achieving person-centered goals.
• Encourage participation in community and social opportunities.
• Document observations, progress, and concerns; implement treatment and support plans.
• Provide physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary.
• Maintain required certifications (CPR/First Aid, MAP, SOLVE, HR/DPPC).

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Coaching skills

Team‑oriented

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour
Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday - 2:30pm-10:30pm

Overview

We’re looking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated team players to provide meaningful support to individuals in a residential setting. If you’re ready to start—or grow! - your career in human services, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact every day.

As a Direct Support Staff, you’ll provide hands‑on support, guidance, and encouragement to adults with developmental disabilities. This entry‑level role includes responsibilities such as assisting with daily living activities, personal care, meals, routines, community outings—while helping individuals build skills and independence.

Who We Are

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

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Shift

Second Shift (Tuesday to Saturday, 2:30pm-10:30pm)

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

• 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, 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. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity across multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.