Residential Skills Instructor

internal-advocatesinc; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Advocates is seeking a residential skills instructor to work with adults with developmental disabilities in Lowell, MA. Starting rate is $18.50/hour with day-time shifts and community-based duties to promote independence and life skills.

You will implement individualized and behavioral plans, document progress, and support daily routines while fostering self-advocacy and community integration. A high school diploma or GED is required, plus at least 3 years in human services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; at least 3 years of experience in human services preferred.
• Experience implementing behavioral plans and collecting data required.
• Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to providing respectful, person-centered care.
• Experience working with diverse populations strongly preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency required.

Responsibilities

• Implement individual service plans, behavioral plans, and treatment plans.
• Track and document progress, data, and daily interactions.
• Support individuals with daily routines, skill-building, and personal goals.
• Promote self-advocacy, decision-making, and independence.
• Facilitate community integration and meaningful activities.
• Assist with home maintenance and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment.
• Provide transportation to appointments and community activities.
• Monitor and safeguard individuals’ funds as assigned.
• Communicate and document any significant health, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns.
• Complete clinical notes and reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and required trainings.
• Maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid, MAP, Safety Care, etc.).
• Provide physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Data collection

ABA familiarity

Driver's license

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CPR

First Aid

MAP

Safety Care

Job description

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: As needed day time shifts

Looking for work where you can make a difference every day?

As a residential skills instructor at Advocates, you’ll work directly with adults with developmental disabilities, helping them build skills, make choices, and live as independently as possible in their homes and communities.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll teach daily living skills, encourage independence, support personal goals, and help individuals be active members of their communities. You’ll get to know the people you support, understand what matters most to them, and help turn their goals into everyday successes.

You’ll also work as part of a supportive team to implement individualized service and behavioral plans, track progress, and provide the consistency and encouragement individuals need to thrive.

If you’re patient, compassionate, dependable, and enjoy helping others grow, this could be the opportunity for you.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We're a 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 every employee and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where people can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Responsibilities

• Implement individual service plans, behavioral plans, and treatment plans
• Track and document progress, data, and daily interactions
• Support individuals with daily routines, skill-building, and personal goals
• Promote self-advocacy, decision-making, and independence
• Facilitate community integration and meaningful activities
• Assist with home maintenance and maintaining a clean, welcoming environment
• Provide transportation to appointments and community activities
• Monitor and safeguard individuals’ funds as assigned
• Communicate and document any significant health, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns
• Complete clinical notes and reports in a timely manner
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and required trainings
• Maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid, MAP, Safety Care, etc.)
• Provide physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; at least 3 years of experience in human services preferred
• Experience implementing behavioral plans and collecting data required
• Familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) preferred
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to providing respectful, person-centered care
• Experience working with diverse populations strongly preferred
• Basic computer proficiency required

Physical Demands:

• Full upper extremity range of motion
• Full lower extremity range of motion
• Must be able to lift furniture and/or objects/persons weighing over 50 lbs.

Physical Activity:

• Continuous: Communication
• Frequent: Standing, sitting, walking
• Occasional: Reaching with hands and arms, stooping and crouching

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.

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.