DDS Summer Urban Youth | West Region | Direct Care Worker | North Program

Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is sponsoring a great program called the “Urban Youth Collaborative.”

This program offers students between the ages of 18 and 24 the opportunity to enrich the lives of both the students and the individuals receiving supports within the Central West Region. The goal of this program is to give young adults exposure into the field of Human Services, enabling them to strongly consider a career supporting people with developmental disabilities.

The DDS Central West Region employs over 1,500 dedicated staff who provide innovative and compassionate care directly or on behalf of thousands of individuals with disabilities.

The program opens in the middle of May and runs to Labor Day Weekend. This Summer session is restricted to a maximum 90‑day appointment. Participants must be available for the entire summer and may not take vacations. All participants must have a valid driver’s license.

• Provide both personal care support and participate in the involvement of the individuals into the community.
• Support & 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.
• Planning, setting up, and leading a variety of activities at the individual’s residences.
• Activities include, but are not limited to: 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, leisure activities and social skill development.
• Capability to assist/lift individuals with physical disabilities and/or limited mobility.

• Applicant must be between 18‑24 years old.
• Have a valid driver’s license.
• Must have a reliable form of 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 Urban Youth Collaborative pay rate is $22.98 per hour.

The mission of DDS is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals and manages $3 billion in public funds.

For more information about our agency and programs visit:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-services

For more information about the Urban Youth Collaborative visit:-collaborative internship

Education and license/certification information will be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre‑employment screening which includes a disabled persons protection commission search, a criminal background check, and a national background fingerprint check.

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.

An Equal Opportunity / affirmative action employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.