Direct Support Worker - Medford, MA

Cooperative-For-Human-Services-Inc; West Medford (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental plan

Vision plan

Long Term Disability

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan 403(b) with match

Management Training Program

MAP certification bonus

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Cooperative for Human Services Inc. seeks compassionate Direct Support Workers to join our Medford, MA team. You will assist individuals with daily living tasks, advocate for goals, and help create a person‑centered living environment within our residential programs.

The role offers full‑ and part‑time hours with competitive pay and a full benefits package, training opportunities, and a culture of support designed to help employees thrive.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience with adults with disabilities.
• First Aid and CPR Certification required before starting.
• MAP certification preferred.
• Ability to lift 30lbs+.
• Fluent in English (speaking, reading and writing).
• Valid driver’s license with reliable vehicle and good driving history.

Responsibilities

• Act as an advocate for each person served and support ISP goals.
• Maintain professional communication with families, staff and providers.
• Create a safe, personalized home environment reflecting preferences and well‑being.
• Promote engaging activities and monitor health, nutrition and safety.
• Administer medication (MAP certified staff only).
• Maintain confidentiality and protect rights of individuals served.
• Provide program support, transportation, documentation and respond to emergencies.
• Participate in mandatory training and perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Fluent English

Communication

Problem-solving

Driver's license

Lift 30 lbs

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

MAP certification preferred

Tools

MAP certification

First Aid

CPR Certification

Job description

Cooperative for Human Services Inc. is a multi-service organization that provides residential services, independent living supports, and guardianship services for adults with intellectual, developmental, and other related disabilities.

We are looking for compassionate Direct Support Workers to join our team and provide outstanding care and support to the individuals we serve! Our Direct Support Workers work inside our residential programs, helping our individuals with various activities of daily living and assisting them in reaching their personal goals.

We believe great care begins by taking care of our employees. So we’ll reward you with competitive pay and exceptional benefits, paid training, continuous educational and development opportunities, and our unique culture of support.

We have full-time and part-time hours available at our program in Medford, MA.

Summary of Job Responsibilities:

Act as an advocate for each person served. Actively provide direct support to individuals served in a manner that is reflective of the person’s culture, ethnicity, chosen lifestyle, and preferences. Uphold and support the organization’s mission, philosophy, and values. Assist in creating a person-centered, supportive learning and living environment that safeguards and enhances the lives of the people we serve.

Essential Functions & Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Promote and protect the rights and dignity of each person served by assisting in the development and implementation of their ISP goals.
2. Maintain regular, professional communication with individuals served, their families/guardians, service providers, management, funding/referral sources, and other stakeholders.
3. Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and personalized home environment that reflects each person’s preferences, ensures cleanliness, and supports their well‑being, including monitoring health, medical, and nutritional needs. This may involve laundry, cleaning, cooking, meal prep, and personal care
4. Promote healthy, engaging activities (going in the yard, gardening, sports, puzzles, art, listening to music).
5. Administering medication (MAP certified staff only)
6. Safeguard confidentiality and protect the rights and dignity of the individuals served.
7. Provide essential program support, including required documentation, transportation, monitoring relationships for abuse/neglect, responding to health and medical needs, and responding to and reporting all emergencies
8. Participate in mandatory training and perform additional duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission, goals, and operations.

Pay: $20.69-$22.81 per hour, depending on certifications

Benefits

• Part-time AND full-time employees are eligible for benefits
• Medical: Harvard Pilgrim Advantage HMO with either a $500, $1000, or $2000 deductible.
• Dental: Unum Dental Plan
• Vision: Eyemed
• Long Term Disability: Unum; CHS pays FREE!
• Life Insurance: Unum, 1x annual salary; CHS pays FREE!
• Retirement Plan: 403(b) plan with pre-tax deductions. After 1 year, CHS provides a match. Match amount is subject to change.
• Management Training Program
• Bonus for first-time MAP certifications as well as recertifications every two years
• Employee Assistance Program (Legal, healthcare, behavioral health supports) FREE!
• Sick time, vacation time, and personal time

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum 1 year of previous work experience with adults with disabilities required
• First Aid and CPR Certification required before starting employment
• MAP certification preferred
• Ability to lift 30lbs+
• Ability to fluently speak, read, and write in English
• Effective communication (verbal & written) and problem-solving skills
• Ability to understand and comply with multiple regulatory requirements
• A valid Massachusetts/New Hampshire/Rhode Island driver’s license, a reliable vehicle, and a good driving history record