Direct Care Worker Ii

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a caring and compassionate applicant for the role of Direct Care Worker II (DSW II) who is committed to building meaningful relationships in order to provide outstanding care and service. The Direct Care Worker II provides direct care services and aid to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing for the participants' needs in daily living and those skills necessary for community life.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• May drive individuals to work, appointments and recreational outings;
• Communicate about, and with, the individuals served in a manner which promotes their growth, human rights and integration into the community;
• Assist, instruct and support individuals in understanding and exercising their rights to their fullest potential;
• Perform crisis intervention; and maintain confidential records of individuals.
• Report, as mandatory reporters, all abuse and neglect to the residential supervisor and to the Director of Residential support all incidences of abuse in accordance with regulations; and complete required paperwork;
• 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;

Incumbents at this level, based on assignment may act as a shift supervisor, and are responsible for duties including the following:

• Monitor Direct Care Worker I's (DSW I's) to ensure that they are acting as advocates, and demonstrating respect and positive regard for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull heavy objects.
• Assist in the evaluations of DSW I's.
• Function as a working supervisor, providing daily supervision and training to DSW I's through instruction in the daily routines and schedules of individuals with developmental disabilities, through demonstration, and role modeling, in order to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive appropriate services and opportunities within a normalized environment.
• As a shift supervisor, implement services that ensure the safety and health of individuals by maintaining a safe and clean home environment: Observe, evaluate, and take appropriate and timely action in notifying pertinent medical staff of health related issues, and performing other related assignments for the purpose of providing optimal care to persons with developmental disabilities.
• Make staff assignments within residence, as shift supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the comprehensive service needs of persons with developmental/intellectual disabilities and their families/guardians.
• Ability to give written or verbal instructions in a clear and understandable manner, and to plan, assign and coordinate the activities of others.

Agency Requirements:

• After successfully completing a training program, the selected candidate must acquire and maintain; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid (FA) certification.
• Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License;
• Applicants must pass the Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification;

PLEASE NOTE: This position is designated as an "EMERGENCY" position in the Department of Developmental Services Emergency Plan. This means that whenever the Governor declares that the Commonwealth is in a state of emergency, selected applicant will be required to report to work. This is a 24hour/7 days a week staff position. Candidates must be able to be flexible in their work schedule. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in this position to be able to perform "MANDATORY OVERTIME" when circumstances dictate the need.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (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 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B+ operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT. Listed salary ranges are for one full year at current rates.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least one (1) year of full-time or equivalent part-time, experience in providing direct support services to persons with developmental/ intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

An Associate’s degree or higher with a major in a human services field, including sociology, special education, psychology, rehabilitation counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or other related field may be substituted for the required experience.

Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.