Direct Service Worker

Advocates•Newton, MA

About The Position

The Direct Service Worker is an entry-level role supporting individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. Working collaboratively with a team, the worker supervises residents’ daily activities and provides ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling in accordance with individualized plans intended to increase independence and help residents achieve their goals. The role also involves medication management, assisting with finances, and supporting residents’ integration into the community. The position works a Sunday-Wednesday schedule from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The starting rate is $18.50 per hour. Advocates is a nonprofit, mission-driven organization providing comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. Its person-centered approach emphasizes choice, independence, respect, compassion, and inclusion.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree, or a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of related experience.
Experience working in the behavioral health field.
Excellent interpersonal, judgment, and coaching skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to use basic computer applications.
Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centered, team-oriented environment.
Valid driver’s license, access to an operational and insured vehicle, and willingness to use it to transport clients.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities

Participate in developing treatment plans and attend treatment meetings, including weekly staff meetings.
Document progress toward treatment plans.
Perform interventions that address clients’ identified goals and support skill development.
Provide linkage with other program staff and service providers.
Communicate participants’ progress, mental status, and changes in daily notes.
Provide ongoing support, guidance, role modeling, and supervision to clients.
Identify and address community integration issues for clients with direction from a supervisor.
Monitor and document medication administration.
Ensure a clean, safe, and home-like environment for clients.
Remain alert throughout the scheduled work shift.
Keep paperwork, reports, and trainings current and complete them within the division’s expected timelines.
Attend and actively participate in core training and maintain required certifications, including CPR/First Aid, Crisis Management, and MAP.
Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed.
Transport clients using an operational, insured vehicle.