DDS Summer Urban Youth | Metro Region | Direct Care Worker

Metro Residential Services (MRS), and agency within the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), operates residential group homes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The residential group homes are scattered throughout the Metro Region in Boston, Metro West areas and towns south of Boston as far as Wrentham.  Individuals supported range in age from 22 to 90. MRS, in partnership with the Urban Youth Collaborative Program (UYCP), is offering paid seasonal recreational and a limited number of office/administrative internships to college bound high school seniors and students enrolled in college, up to age 24.  Each year, through this partnership, MRS and UYCP provide young people from all over the state with hands-on opportunities in a fun and interactive setting in the human services field. It is with the hope that this will inspire students to ultimately pursue a career in human services. 

Seasonal Recreation Interns work under the direction of the Residential supervisors and are responsible for planning, setting up, and leading a variety of activities at the individual’s residences. Activities include, but are not limited to: music and movement, arts & crafts, cooking and baking, and social events such as coffee and ice cream get togethers. Interns are able to use their imagination and creativity to plan events and activities that interest the individuals in the home. Seasonal Recreation Interns work a 40 hour week, including early evening hours and some weekend days. 

Seasonal Office/Administrative Interns work under the direction of Office Administrators and perform a variety of clerical and administrative tasks to support the mission of DDS’s Metro Regional Office. 

The human services field has career opportunities as lawyers, accountants, program directors, residential staff, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and a wide range of other roles. The Metro DDS Region is seeking hard working and compassionate candidates to serve as interns in direct care role.

The Metro Regional Office is located in Waltham and covers four Area Offices: Grater Boston (Hyde Park), Charles River West (Somerville), Newton/South Norfolk (Walpole) and Middlesex West (Framingham).

 The program opens in the middle of May and runs to Labor Day Weekend, this Summer session is restricted to a maximum 90-day appointment. It will be necessary for participants to be available for the entire summer, and unfortunately no vacations will be granted. All participants must have a valid drivers' license.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provide and support participants in the involvement of the individuals into the community.
- Support & encourage interaction and integration into the community for the individuals.
- Accompany the individuals on frequent community outings and day trips such as attend concerts, Patriot’s training camp, trips to aquariums, restaurants, libraries, and local coffee shops.
- Planning, setting up, and leading a variety of activities at the individual’s residences. Activities include, but are not limited to: music and movement, arts & crafts, cooking and baking, and social events such as coffee and ice cream get togethers.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Ability to assist and facilitate activities of daily living, such as household maintenance, self-care and hygiene, food shopping and preparation, budgeting, leisure activities and social skill development.
- Capability to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility.
Urban Youth Collaborative Requirements:
- Applicant must be between 18-24 years old.
- Have a valid driver's license.
- Must have a reliable form of transportation.
Please Note:
Schedule: These positions will be on either the first and second shifts with specified days off and may include some evening and weekends.
Pay: All State employees are paid bi-weekly through direct deposit. Current Urban Youth Collaborative pay rate is $22.98/ hour.
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/orgs/department-of-developmental-services
For more information about the Urban Youth Collaborative visit: www.mass.gov/info-details/dds-urban-youth-collaborativeinternship
Pre-Offer Process
A criminal history check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."
Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:
- Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/
dppcabuser-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
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records law and may be ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Request
For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Office of Human Resources at
1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
 
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.