Direct Care Worker II

This 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 II (DSW II) who is committed to building meaningful relationships in order to provide outstanding care and service. The DSW II 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 (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Assist in the implementation of habilitative, behavioral and recreational programs; perform program-related cooking and housekeeping duties; dispense medications in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
• Communicate about, and with, the individuals served in a manner which promotes their growth, human rights and integration into the community;
• Assist, instruct and support individuals in understanding and exercising their rights to their fullest potential;
• Report, 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 complete required paperwork;
• May drive individuals to work, appointments and recreational outings;
• Perform crisis intervention; and maintain confidential records of individuals.

Incumbents at this level, based on assignment may act as a shift supervisor, and are responsible for duties including the following:

• Monitor Developmental Service 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; Cardiopulmona