Direct Care Worker I - Merrimack Valley - Full and Part Time Positions - Continuous Posting

This is an open and continuous posting for Full-Time and Part-Time positions on multiple shifts throughout the Merrimack Valley Area of the Northeast Region of DDS.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks caring and compassionate applicants for the role of DIRECT CARE WORKER I who are committed to building meaningful relationships and provide outstanding care and service.

The Direct Care Worker role provides programmatic direct care services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is to be accomplished by the provision of an environment consistent with participants' needs in daily living and those skills necessary for community life.

Please Note: Based on assignment, candidates may be eligible for various pay differentials. 

For more information on the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLyCHl8CEwI

To visit the DDS Career Page, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/dds-careers

Direct Care Worker I POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING

Merrimack Valley CITIES & TOWNS:

Amesbury – Georgetown – Haverhill – Methuen – Newburyport – North Andover

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provide support to individuals by assisting in the development and implementation of habilitative, behavioral and recreational programs in accordance with the Individual Service Plan (ISP) objectives
• Coordinate with direct supervisor(s) to ensure successful implementation of ISP's, use of appropriate methods, coordination of services and crisis intervention
• Assist and facilitate activities of daily living, such as household maintenance, self-care and hygiene, food shopping and preparation, budgeting, leisure activities and socialization skill development
• Attend individuals' review meetings and accompany them to various appointments; Transport individuals to work, recreational activities and other engagements as needed
• Maintain individuals' confidentiality and records; preserve individuals' human rights by complying with applicable laws and regulations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities;
• Capacity to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility;
• Aptitude to transcribe, read and comprehend the English language

Agency Requirements:

• Possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License
• Upon successful completion of the Medication Administration Program (MAP) training, incumbents must obtain and maintain their MAP Certification
• Upon successful completion of a training program, incumbents must obtain and maintain Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid (FA) certification

Please Note:

DDS fills this entry-level position on an ongoing basis as staff turnover and new program development occurs. The Department has full and part-time positions available on various shifts.  Many of the positions require working every weekend with two days off in the middle of the week. Applicants must be flexible in work schedule. This is a 24-hour/7 days a week staff position. The Department requires employees in this position to be able to perform mandatory overtime when circumstances dictate the need.

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, you will be required to report to work.

All employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis and must have direct deposit.

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

Please be advised that you have applied to a "Continuous Posting." Continuous postings are used for high volume positions which require continuous hiring. Candidates who apply to this posting will remain active in the "continuous posting" for up to 90 days and will be considered as openings arise. Although we cannot guarantee every candidate will be considered, as selection is based on job availability and individual staffing needs of the agency, candidates are strongly encouraged to reapply upon expiration of their job submission. 

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:

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

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:  None. 
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  None.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza. 

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

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.