Direct Support Staff - Developmental Services
advocatesWest Boylston (MA)
Direct Support Staff - Developmental Services
Posted yesterday
advocatesWest Boylston (MA)
SENIORITY
Junior
About the role
Job Opportunity We're looking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated team players to provide meaningful support to individuals in a residential setting. If you're ready to startor grow!your career in human services, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact every day.
As a Direct Support Staff, you'll provide hands-on support, guidance, and encouragement to adults with developmental disabilities. This is an entry-level role with meaningful responsibilities and the chance to build lasting relationships. In this role, you'll assist individuals with daily living activities, such as personal care, meals, routines and community outingswhile helping them build skills and independence.
Direct support professionals at Advocates enjoy a supportive environment, opportunities for advancement, and a strong commitment to work-life balance.
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 Second Shift
Responsibilities:
Provide daily support at home and in the community
Help plan and implement daily routines and activities
Support individuals in setting and achieving person-centered goals
Encourage participation in community and social opportunities
Support household cleaning and maintenance tasks
Document observations, progress, and any concerns
Implement established treatment and support plans
Provide physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary
Maintain required certifications (CPR/First Aid, MAP, SOLVE, HR/DPPC)
Ensure individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and in alignment with Human Rights policies
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent required
Experience in human services or with similar populations preferred
Strong interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, person-centered environment
Basic computer skills required
Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals
Commitment to supporting culturally diverse populations
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.
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.
More like this
