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Direct Support Staff

Advocates

Norfolk, MAFull-time$18.5/hrSeen 1mo ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$18.5/hr
Location
Norfolk, MA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

CPR/First Aid CertificationMAP CertificationSOLVE CertificationHR/DPPC CertificationValid Driver's License

Job overview

Advocates is hiring a Direct Support Staff. Advocates is seeking enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated team players to provide meaningful support to individuals in a residential setting. This entry-level role involves providing hands-on support, guidance, and encouragement to adults with developmental disabilities, assisting with daily living activities, and helping them build skills and independence. It offers an opportunity to make a real impact and grow a career in human services.

Key focus areas include Provide daily support at home and in the community, Help plan and implement daily routines and activities, and Support individuals in setting and achieving person-centered goals.

Successful candidates bring High School Diploma/GED, CPR/First Aid Certification, and MAP Certification. Important skills include Interpersonal Skills, Communication Skills, Coaching Skills, and Basic Computer Skills.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsCoaching SkillsBasic Computer Skills

Qualifications

High School Diploma/GEDCPR/First Aid CertificationMAP CertificationSOLVE CertificationHR/DPPC CertificationValid Driver's LicenseReliable VehicleExperience in Human Services or With Similar Populations

Full job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Thursday 4pm-11pm, Friday 9am-10pm, Saturday 3pm-11pm, Sunday 9am-3pm, Monday 9am-3pm

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.

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

Shift

Blended Shift

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

  • High school diploma or 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 skills required

  • 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 .

Apply Now! (https://careers-advocatesinc.icims.com/jobs/13251/direct-support-staff/job?mode=apply&apply=yes&in\_iframe=1&hashed=-336180790)

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Job Locations US-MA-Norfolk

Minimum Education Required High School Diploma/GED

Job ID 2026-13251

Organization Advocates

Type Regular Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week 40

Business Unit Developmental Services

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