DDS Summer Urban Youth | Southeast Region | Direct Care Worker

Job Description

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is sponsoring a program called Urban Youth Collaborative
. This internship provides students between the ages of 18 and 24 the opportunity to enrich the lives of both the students and the individuals receiving supports from the Southeast Residential Services (SRS), which offers residential and day services to adults with intellectual disabilities. The program aims to expose young adults to the human services field and encourage careers supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

Interns will assist and befriend the individuals they support while gaining experience relevant to their majors or career goals.

The program begins in mid‑May and runs through Labor Day Weekend. It is a maximum 90‑day appointment; participants must be available for the entire summer—vacations are not permitted—and must possess a valid driver’s license.

• Provide personal care support and participate in engaging the individuals in community activities.
• Support and encourage interaction and integration into the community for the individuals.
• Accompany the individuals on frequent community outings and day trips such as concerts, Patriot’s training camp, trips to aquariums, restaurants, libraries, and local coffee shops.
• Plan, set up, and lead a variety of activities at the individuals’ residences—including music and movement, arts & crafts, cooking and baking, and social events such as coffee and ice cream get‑togethers.

• Ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ability to assist and facilitate activities of daily living such as household maintenance, self‑care and hygiene, food shopping and preparation, budgeting, and leisure activities.
• Capability to assist or lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility.

• Applicant must be between 18‑24 years old.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must have reliable transportation.

• Positions will be on either the first or second shift with specified days off.
• All State employees are paid bi‑weekly through direct deposit.
• Current pay rate: $22.98 per hour.

The mission of 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. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals and manages a $3 billion operating budget with approximately 5,500 staff members, the largest state employee workforce in the Massachusetts executive branch.

For more information about our agency and programs visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). For more information about the Urban Youth Collaborative visit .

• Criminal background check (CORI) required by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
• National background check with fingerprint‑based verification per Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014.
• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified per Human Resources Division's hiring guidelines.
• Information may be published on the Commonwealth's website under Massachusetts Public Records law.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum entrance requirements:
None.

Special requirements:
None.

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID‑19 and influenza vaccinations, or to have taken required mitigation measures. Successful candidates will be required to attest to their vaccination status for both COVID‑19 and influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affiantative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an…