DDS Summer Urban Youth | Central West Region | Direct Care Worker I | Hampden County Program

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is sponsoring a great program called the "Urban Youth Collaborative." 

This program offers students between the ages of 18 and 24 the opportunity to enrich the lives of both the students and the individuals receiving supports within the Central West Region. The goal of this program is to give young adults exposure into the field of Human Services, enabling them to strongly consider a career supporting people with developmental disabilities. 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 DDS Central West Region is seeking hard working and compassionate candidates to serve as interns direct care. 

The Central West Region of DDS is both large in geographic size and employment opportunities. Central West DDS employs over 1,500 dedicated staff who provide innovative and compassionate care directly or on behalf of thousands of individuals with disabilities. These services are delivered across seven area offices, a regional office, three state operated offices and nearly 100 state operated group homes in dozens of communities. With offices in Pittsfield, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Southbridge, Worcester, Templeton and Fitchburg, we have opportunities for most everyone.

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 both personal care support and participate 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.

Locations in Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, and Belchertown, MA

Please Note:
Schedule: These positions will be on either the first and second shifts with specified days off.
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-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

·       Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

·       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

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ADA Reasonable Accomodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

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.