Skills Instructor - Day Supports

Advocates; Plainville (MA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates is seeking a Skills Instructor to support adults with developmental disabilities at our Day Services location in Ashland. This entry-level, hands-on role involves assisting participants with daily living activities, providing skills training, and promoting community integration as part of a larger team.

The position provides a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, with a starting rate of $18.50 per hour and opportunities to grow in education and human services within a

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of relevant experience.
• Understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team with minimal supervision.
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to identify and develop goals and plans to address any concerns, wants or needs.
• Provide ongoing support, through personal care, guidance and role modeling for individuals.
• Collaborates with the Case Manager to provide developmental skills training including training in self‑care, self‑preservation, receptive and expressive communication, self direction, activities of daily living, hygiene, grooming and first aid.
• Collaborates with case manager to create and implement a comprehensive written therapeutic service plan (DHSP) for all assigned individuals.
• Complete all documentation which supports DHSP plan.
• Initiate a proactive approach towards focusing on individual advocacy, empowerment, and community integration.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Team collaboration

Cultural competence

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Starting rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30am-3:30pm

Overview

Starting rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:30am-3:30pm

The Skills Instructor position is a hands‑on, entry‑level role working with adults who have an intellectual or developmental disability, autism, or a brain injury. In this role, you will work with a larger team at Advocates’ Day Services location in Ashland, including other Skills Instructors, Case Managers, Employment Coaches, and Program Managers. You will assist program participants with activities of daily living, provide developmental skills training through recreational and therapeutic services, and encourage community integration. You will assist in developing and following Service Plans for those we support, as well as teaching and role modeling daily living skills and positive behaviors. Serving as a skills instructor is a rewarding way to begin a career in education and/or human services.

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 employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Shift

First Shift

Additional Shift Details

Monday-Friday

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to identify and develop goals and plans to address any concerns, wants or needs.
• Provide ongoing support, through personal care, guidance and role modeling for individuals.
• Collaborates with the Case Manager to provide developmental skills training including training in self‑care, self‑preservation, receptive and expressive communication, self direction, activities of daily living, hygiene, grooming and first aid.
• Collaborates with case manager to create and implement a comprehensive written therapeutic service plan (DHSP) for all assigned individuals.
• Complete all documentation which supports DHSP plan.
• Initiate a proactive approach towards focusing on individual advocacy, empowerment, and community integration.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent degree and one year of experience in a training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills with individuals, families, funding sources, consultants, the community at large, program and administrative team.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as a team and perform job duties with minimal supervisory intervention.
• Must hold a valid drivers’ license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.

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.