Direct Support Worker - High Behavioral Support Residential Programs

Position Summary

Cooperative for Human Services is seeking experienced Direct Support Workers to support individuals living in two high-behavior residential homes in Tewksbury, MA. This role is best suited for candidates who have experience working with individuals with significant behavioral, emotional, or behavioral health support needs and who are confident implementing behavior support plans, maintaining structure, and responding calmly and professionally in challenging situations.

Direct Support Workers in these homes provide hands-on support to individuals served while promoting safety, dignity, independence, community inclusion, and person-centered care. Staff are expected to build positive relationships, follow individualized support strategies, maintain a safe and therapeutic home environment, and communicate effectively with supervisors, clinical team members, healthcare staff, families, guardians, and other members of the support team.

Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide direct support to individuals served in a respectful, person-centered, and trauma-informed manner.
• Promote and protect the rights, dignity, privacy, and safety of each person served.
• Implement individualized behavior support plans, routines, support strategies, and program expectations consistently.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral escalations, crisis situations, and safety concerns using approved de-escalation techniques.
• Maintain awareness of individuals' whereabouts, supervision needs, and support needs at all times.
• Support individuals with daily living skills, personal care needs, community participation, household routines, and recreational activities.
• Assist with medication administration, healthcare follow-up, nutrition, hygiene, and other health-related needs as assigned and trained.
• Complete required documentation accurately and timely, including daily notes, incident reports, behavior tracking, medication documentation, and other program records.
• Communicate professionally with supervisors, coworkers, clinical staff, healthcare staff, families, guardians, and external providers.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and ongoing program planning.
• Maintain a clean, safe, structured, and supportive home environment.
• Serve as a positive role model in demeanor, communication, judgment, and professional boundaries.
• Follow all CHS policies, DDS regulations, safety protocols, mandated reporting requirements, and program-specific expectations.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience supporting individuals with behavioral challenges, emotional dysregulation, aggression, trauma histories, or other high-support needs.
• Strong de-escalation, redirection, and crisis response skills.
• The ability to remain calm, consistent, and professional during challenging interactions.
• Good judgment and the ability to follow individualized plans and team direction.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• A reliable, team-oriented approach to residential work.
• A commitment to active engagement with individuals served, rather than passive supervision.
• Respect for the dignity, preferences, culture, and individuality of each person supported.

Preferred Certification

PABC certification, Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges, is strongly preferred. Candidates who are already PABC certified are encouraged to apply.

Candidates without current PABC certification may be considered based on experience, availability, and ability to complete required training.

Schedule Needs

Current openings are primarily for weekend, evening, and select daytime shifts in high-behavior residential homes in Tewksbury. Available shifts include a mix of Sunday through Saturday coverage, with a significant need for 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM shifts and weekend availability.

Due to the individualized support needs and approved staffing plans within these homes, some assignments may have program-specific staffing requirements.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• At least one year of relevant work experience preferred.
• Experience in human services, residential services, behavioral support, direct care, mental health, or developmental disabilities preferred.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license required.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to complete required trainings, including CPR/First Aid, medication administration, human rights, mandated reporting, and other program-specific trainings.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

About the Role
This position requires more than simply being present in the home. Staff must be engaged, observant, consistent, and willing to build trusting relationships with individuals who may communicate their needs through challenging behavior. Successful staff in these programs understand the importance of structure, patience, follow-through, and teamwork.

This is an opportunity for experienced Direct Support Workers who are confident in behavioral support settings and who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with complex needs.