What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Help/Winter - Direct Care Worker I - Western MA and Berkshires Area position at Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Department of Developmental Services?

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is hiring seasonal help for the upcoming Winter season (November-February) throughout Central and Western Massachusetts. This is an ideal opportunity for college students or others to make a difference in the lives of individuals supported by the Department of Developmental Services. These positions could lead to seasonal Fall/ Winter positions or full/part time permanent employment. We provide on the job training, no experience is necessary.

The goal of these positions is to provide exposure into the field of Human Services, enabling individuals to strongly consider a career supporting people with developmental disabilities. The human service field has career opportunities as lawyers, accountants, program directors, residential staff, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and a wide range of other roles. All participants must have a valid Drivers' license.

Direct Care Worker I POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING

Western MA and Berkshire Area CITIES & TOWNS:

Amherst | Easthampton | Palmer | Pittsfield | Whately

Duties include but are not limited to:

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 community outings and day trips to concerts, sporting events, trips to aquariums, restaurants, libraries, and local coffee shops.

Qualifications Needed:

Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Have a valid driver's license.
Must have a reliable form of transportation.

Work Schedule:

Full-Time or Part-Time position available, up to 40 hours a week; working 1st and 2nd shifts

Benefits are unavailable with the exception of sick leave accruals.

About the Department of Developmental Services:

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (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 as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

Commission for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities (CPPD) Abuse Registry Search. https:cppdmass.gov
Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check. https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

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

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 Ext. #4.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None.

Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

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. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Developmental Services Wrk I

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Northampton - 15 Atwood Drive

Job

: Direct Care

Agency

: Department of Developmental Services

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Oct 26, 2026, 8:03:46 AM

Number of Openings

: 10

Salary

: 48,754.68 - 61,653.28 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Kendy Derival, kendy.derival3@mass.gov - 8572835867

Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No

Benefits:

Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Pension Plan

Salary : $48,755 - $61,653

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Seasonal Help/Winter - Direct Care Worker I - Western MA and Berkshires Area

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Help/Winter - Direct Care Worker I - Western MA and Berkshires Area position at Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Department of Developmental Services?

Qualifications

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Job

Agency

Schedule

Shift

Job Posting

Number of Openings

Salary

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