Direct Support Staff

Advocates; Franklin (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates is seeking enthusiastic 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 helping individuals build skills and independence.

This entry-level role offers meaningful responsibility, a starting rate of $18.50/hour, and opportunities for growth within a nonprofit committed to respect, dignity, and inclusion.

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.

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

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Coaching

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

CPR/First Aid Certification

MAP Certification

SOLVE Certification

HR/DPPC Training

Job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Sunday 9am-5pm and Monday through Thursday 3pm-11pm

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 toadultswith developmental disabilities. This is an entry-level role with meaningful responsibilities and the chance to build lasting relationships.In this role,you’llassistindividualswith daily living activities, such as personal care, meals,routinesand community outings – while helping them build skills and independence.

Direct support professionals at Advocates enjoy a supportive environment, opportunities for advancement, and a strong commitment to work-life balance.

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.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Shift

Blended Shift, Second 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 skillsrequired

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals

• Commitment to supporting culturally diverse populations

Advocatesiscommitted to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocatesfostersa 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.