Family Support Advocate

UCP of Western Massachusetts; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Two weeks vacation in first year

Three personal days per year

Up to seven sick days per year

403(b) retirement program with agency

Mileage reimbursement

Tuition remission program

Employee referral program

Job summary

UCP of Western Massachusetts is seeking a Family Support Advocate to provide direct 1:1 support in home and community settings. You will assist with daily living activities, promote independence, and implement safety and behavioral strategies as trained.

Collaboration with families and clinical teams ensures consistent care. We value strong communication, adaptability, and a commitment to person-centered services in western Massachusetts.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Six months relevant life/work experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Experience in direct care or behavioral support preferred.
• Training or understanding trauma-informed care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, 1:1 support in the home and community.
• Assist with daily living activities and promote independence.
• Implement safety and behavioral support strategies as trained.
• Maintain professional boundaries and accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with the family and clinical team to ensure consistent care.

Skills

Experience with individuals with disab

Direct 1:1 home/community support

Flexible hours

Written and verbal communication

Basic computer proficiency

Physical intervention as trained

Driver's license & vehicle access

Background checks (CORI/SORI)

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Are you looking for rewarding work with adults with disabilities in the community? UCP, a growing human services agency, works with people with disabilities and their families throughout western Massachusetts in their homes and in the community.

Family Support Advocate Responsibilities

• Provide direct, 1:1 support in the home and community
• Assist with daily living activities and promote independence
• Implement safety and behavioral support strategies as trained
• Maintain professional boundaries and accurate documentation
• Collaborate with the family and clinical team to ensure consistent care

Family Support Advocate Requirements

• At least 18 years old with a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Six months relevant life/work experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Prior experience preferred in direct care, behavioral support, or working with individuals with ASD, developmental or intellectual disabilities
• Training or demonstrated understanding of trauma‑informed care preferred
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, problem‑solve, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—and the ability to model appropriate behavior and use neutral, professional documentation.
• Ability to maintain Adult CPR and First Aid certification (training provided).
• Ability to work flexible hours based on member and program needs.
• Basic computer proficiency to enter case notes; communicate by email, video conferencing, etc.
• Ability to safely perform physical intervention techniques in the event of an emergency as trained in Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges (PABC).
• Ability to walk, climb stairs and lifting and carry up to 10 lbs.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver's license, proof of insurance, and access to a private vehicle for member transportation.
• Must possess a cell phone capable of installing an approved MFA security app for communication and emergencies.
• Must pass CORI, SORI, DPPC, and national fingerprint background checks.

Family Support Advocate Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance after one month of employment
• Earn two weeks vacation in first year of employment, three week rate after first year
• Three personal days per year
• Earn up to seven sick days per year
• 403(b) retirement program with agency match after one year
• Mileage reimbursement
• Tuition remission program
• Employee referral program and more!

About Us

As part of the UCP affiliate network, UCP of Western Massachusetts offers a variety of community programs and services for persons with disabilities and other similar service needs, including Assistive Technology, Early Intervention, Individual and Family Support, and Adult Family Care. UCP has offices in western Massachusetts and is COA accredited. UCP of Western MA is guided by a set of core principles - Respect, Integrity, Communication, and Empathy. Our team is dedicated to providing a "Life Without Limits" for people with differing abilities, and we are seeking a motivated and talented individual who shares our commitment to these principles to join us in our mission. Learn more at http://ucpwma.org