Direct Support Staff

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Friday 3-11pm and Saturday 9am-11pm

We’re looking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated team players to provide meaningful support to individuals in a residential setting. If you’re ready to start—or grow! — your career in human services, this is a great opportunity to make a real impact every day.

As a Direct Support Staff, you’ll provide hands-on support, guidance, and encouragement to adults with developmental disabilities. This is an entry-level role with meaningful responsibilities and the chance to build lasting relationships. In this role, you’ll assist individuals with daily living activities, such as personal care, meals, routines and community outings – while helping them build skills and independence.

Direct support professionals at Advocates enjoy a supportive environment, opportunities for advancement, and a strong commitment to work-life balance.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Responsibilities

• Provide daily support at home and in the community

• Help plan and implement daily routines and activities

• Support individuals in setting and achieving person-centered goals

• Encourage participation in community and social opportunities

• Support household cleaning and maintenance tasks

• Document observations, progress, and any concerns

• Implement established treatment and support plans

• Provide physical intervention in crisis situations when necessary

• Maintain required certifications (CPR/First Aid, MAP, SOLVE, HR/DPPC)

• Ensure individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and in alignment with Human Rights policies

Qualifications

• Highschooldiplomaor equivalent required

• Experience in human services or with similar populations preferred

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and coaching skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, person-centered environment

• Basic computer skillsrequired

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willingness to transport individuals

• Commitment to supporting culturally diverse populations

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience .

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Job Locations US-MA-Gardner

Minimum Education Required High School Diploma/GED

Job ID 2026-12883

Organization Advocates

Type Regular Part-Time

Number of Hours Per Week 22

Business Unit Developmental Services