Direct Support Staff - Developmental Services

Advocates; Holliston, Stamford (MA, CT); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for enthusiastic individuals to join their team as Direct Support Staff. This entry-level position offers the chance to make a real difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. You will provide essential support in a residential setting, assisting with daily living activities, medication management, and community integration. The role emphasizes a collaborative approach, working closely with residents and their families to ensure a welcoming and safe environment. If you are passionate about helping others and thrive in a team-oriented atmosphere, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Generous perks of employment

Room for advancement

Healthy work-life balance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; experience with the population preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in daily activities and promote self-advocacy.
• Assist with planning daily activities and document shift notes.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Judgment Skills

Coaching Skills

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Basic Computer Applications

Cultural Competence

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Overview

*Starting rate $18.50/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 fromour 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

Additional Shift Details

Requires double on Sunday

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.