Direct Care Worker III

Direct Care Worker IIIThis 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 III (DSW III) who is committed to building meaningful relationships in order to provide outstanding care and service. The Direct Care Worker III 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 include: assisting in the implementation of habilitative, behavioral and recreational programs; performing program-related cooking and housekeeping duties; dispensing medications in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; communicating about, and with, the individuals served in a manner which promotes their growth, human rights and integration into the community; assisting, instructing and supporting individuals in understanding and exercising their rights to their fullest potential; reporting, 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 completing required paperwork. Incumbents at this level, based on assignment may act as a shift supervisor, and are responsible for duties including monitoring Direct Care 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.Required qualifications: 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. Agency requirements: 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.This position is designated as an "EMERGENCY" position in the Department of Developmental Services Emergency Plan. This means that whenever the Governor declares that the Commonwealth is in a state of emergency, selected applicant will be required to report to work. This is a 24-hour/7 days a week staff position. Candidates must be able to be flexible in their work schedule. The Department of Developmental Services requires employees in this position to be able to perform "MANDATORY OVERTIME" when circumstances dictate the need. Scheduled hours: 7am-3:30pm Days off Sun/Mon.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.