What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Care Worker II position at DMR-Western Region?
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a caring and compassionate applicant for the role of Direct Care Worker II (DCW II). The DCW II position is a shift supervisor position that provides oversight and direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The position is an excellent opportunity, including for potential candidates who are interested in furthering their career within the Department of Developmental Services, as it affords valuable work experience to build one’s foundation for professional development and advancement.
- Assist individuals in meeting his/her personal care and nutritional needs;
- Assist and support individuals in making choices in his/her life;
- Maintain individuals’ rights by complying with applicable laws and regulations;
- Provide leisure activities; may drive individuals to work, appointments, and to recreational activities;
- Provide daily supervision and training to Direct Care Worker I staff to ensure that they are acting as advocates for the individuals and demonstrate; respect and positive regard for individuals with developmental disabilities;
- Oversee, as the shift supervisor, the health and safety of the individuals by administering medications;
- Communicate with appropriate medical and health care providers regarding health concerns and accompany individuals to various appointments as necessary.
- Knowledge of practices and procedures necessary to assure the health and safety of individuals, including evacuation procedures.
- Ability to plan, assign, and coordinate the activities of others.
- Ability to give written or oral instructions in a clear and understandable manner.
- Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
Please Note:
- This position is located in the Pioneer Valley Homes program in Amherst, MA.
- Shift: 11:00pm-9:00am
- Days Off: Thursday/Friday/ Saturday
This is a 24 hour/ 7 days a week staff position. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in this position to be able to perform mandatory overtime when circumstances dictate the need.
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.
- Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
- 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
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.
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.
