Direct Support Staff - Developmental Services

Advocates; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous employment perks

Advancement opportunities

Healthy work-life balance

Job summary

Advocates is looking for a Direct Support Staff member in Boston, MA. This entry-level position involves supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential setting. Responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, ensuring safety, and promoting community integration. The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and interpersonal skills. This role offers a great opportunity to start a career in human services with mentorship and advancement options. A valid driver's license is required, and the shift is from 3pm to 11pm, Sunday to Thursday.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Ability to utilize basic computer applications.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have access to an operational vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in daily living activities.
• Assist in planning and implementing daily routines.
• Encourage participation in community events.
• Document observations and progress in shift notes.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong written communication

Strong verbal communication

Coaching skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Overview

Starting rate: $19/hour

Advocates is seeking enthusiastic, motivated team players to provide valuable care to individuals in a residential setting!

Advocates promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement. We are a strong-knit community that values the ideas and contributions from our staff.

The Direct Support Staff position is an entry-level role where you can support individuals with developmental disabilities and start your career in human services! In the Direct Support Staff role, you will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling directly to individuals served in a residential setting. You will be responsible for assisting residents with activities of daily living such as cooking, personal hygiene, and dressing. You will also be responsible for administering and managing medication, following Individual Support Plans (ISPs), transporting residents to appointments when needed, and completing shift notes. Direct Support staff ensure the program is a welcoming, comfortable and safe environment. You will get to work closely with parents and/or guardians to collaborate on how to best support each individual. You will also support residents of the program with community integration by doing things such as group activities, taking trips to events, and volunteering.

Are you ready to make a difference?

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Shift

Second Shift

Additional Shift Details

3pm - 11pm Sunday through Thursday

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in daily activities inside their home and in the community by promoting self-advocacy, decision-making and empowerment. Provide guidance and role modeling as appropriate.
• Assist individuals with planning and implementation of daily activity schedules and routines.
• Assist individuals to identify and develop person-centered goals and plans to address any concerns, wants or needs.
• Encourage active participation in community events and other integrated activities.
• Assist individuals with home maintenance and perform cleaning responsibilities.
• Document shift notes summarizing any applicable occurrences, observations, concerns or progress.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent degree. Experience working with the population 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, 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.