Direct Care Worker II

About the role

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a caring and compassionate Direct Care Worker II (DSW II) to provide direct care services and aid to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Peabody, MA. The DSW II supports participants' daily living needs and skills necessary for community life, and may act as a shift supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of habilitative, behavioral, and recreational programs
• Perform program-related cooking and housekeeping duties
• Dispense medications in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Communicate with and about individuals served in a manner that promotes their growth, human rights, and community integration
• Assist, instruct, and support individuals in understanding and exercising their rights to their fullest potential
• Report all abuse and neglect as a mandatory reporter to the residential supervisor and Director of Residential Support; complete required paperwork
• Drive individuals to work, appointments, and recreational outings
• Perform crisis intervention and maintain confidential records

Shift supervisor duties

• Monitor Developmental Service Worker I (DSW I) staff to ensure advocacy, respect, and positive regard for individuals
• Function as a working supervisor: provide daily supervision and training to DSW I staff through instruction, demonstration, and role modeling
• Implement services ensuring safety and health: maintain a safe, clean home environment; observe, evaluate, and notify medical staff of health issues
• Make staff assignments within the residence
• Assist in evaluations of DSW I staff

Qualifications & requirements

• Knowledge of the comprehensive service needs of persons with developmental/intellectual disabilities and their families/guardians
• Ability to give clear written or verbal instructions, and to plan, assign, and coordinate activities of others
• Current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License
• Must pass the Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification
• After training, must acquire and maintain CPR and First Aid certification
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull heavy objects

Minimum entrance requirements: At least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience providing direct support services to persons with developmental/intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities.

Substitutions: An Associate's degree or higher with a major in a human services field (sociology, special education, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or related) may substitute for the required experience.

Schedule & conditions

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
• Days off: Friday and Saturday
• Flexibility required to meet program/area office needs
• Designated "EMERGENCY" position: must report to work whenever the Governor declares a state of emergency
• Mandatory overtime required when circumstances dictate
• 24/7 staffing operation

Compensation

Annual salary: $52,178.36. Employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis and must have direct deposit. Salary placement is determined by years of directly related experience, education, and alignment with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines and applicable collective bargaining agreement (Bargaining Unit 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional).

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package offered through the Commonwealth, including health, retirement, and other employee rewards. Details available at the Employee Benefits and Rewards portal.

Additional requirements

• COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination or required mitigation measures per 101 CMR 23.00 (applies to State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities)
• Successful completion of pre-employment screening: Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search, Criminal Background Check (CORI), and fingerprint-based National Background Check
• Current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at class level specific to assignment

About the Department of Developmental Services

The mission of DDS is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 individuals across the lifespan, providing day, employment, and residential supports, with a $2.7B+ operating budget and approximately 5,500 staff.