Direct Support Staff - Developmental Services

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 - Developmental Services. Advocates seeks enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated team players to provide meaningful support to adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting, offering an entry‑level opportunity to assist with daily living activities, personal care, meals, routines, and community outings while building skills and independence.

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.

Important skills include Interpersonal Skills, Communication, Coaching, Team-Oriented Environment, Person-Centered Environment, and Basic Computer Skills.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunicationCoachingTeam-Oriented EnvironmentPerson-Centered EnvironmentBasic Computer SkillsSupporting Culturally Diverse Populations

Qualifications

High School Diploma/GEDValid Driver's LicenseReliable VehicleCPR/First Aid CertificationMAP CertificationSOLVE CertificationHR/DPPC CertificationHuman Services Experience

Full job description

Overview

Starting Rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 7am-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.

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

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/13325/direct-support-staff---developmental-services/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 2026-13325

Organization Advocates

Type Regular Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week 40

Business Unit Developmental Services