Direct Care Worker II

State of Massachusetts•Lexington, MA

36d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in Lexington, MA 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 DSW 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): 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 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; 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; May drive individuals to work, appointments and recreational outings; Perform crisis intervention; and maintain confidential records of individuals. Incumbents at this level, based on assignment may act as a shift supervisor, and are responsible for duties including the following: Monitor Developmental Service 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. 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. Assist in the evaluations of DSW I's. Must be able to lift, carry, push or pull heavy objects. 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

Requirements

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.
Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License
Applicants must pass the Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification
After successfully completing a training program, the selected candidate must acquire and maintain; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid (FA) certification.
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.
Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

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 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
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
May drive individuals to work, appointments and recreational outings
Perform crisis intervention
Maintain confidential records of individuals
Monitor Developmental Service 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.
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.
Assist in the evaluations of DSW I's.