What are the responsibilities and job description for the AWC Direct Care position at Ucpwma?
Agency with Choice/Family Support Advocate
Job Type: Part Time
Schedule: 17 hours per week
Location: Athol, MA
Are you looking for rewarding work with adults with disabilities in the community? UCP, a growing human services agency, works with people with disabilities and their families throughout western Massachusetts in their homes and in the community. AWC is a person-centered program which allows participants to craft their own customized Day Program. As an AWC Family Support Advocate you will provide help with activities of daily living (eating and going out into the community) with socialization and engagement as priorities. Your day may include time spent in the community, at the home or any other location that both the members and families deem appropriate as you help the members navigate areas of importance such as hobbies, activities or interests in addition to providing guidance around needed life skills. The individual has an interest in comic writing and drawing.
We are seeking a thoughtful and professional support to work with several disabled adults in the Athol area.
Agency with Choice/Family Support Advocate Responsibilities:
Job Type: Part Time
Schedule: 17 hours per week
Location: Athol, MA
Are you looking for rewarding work with adults with disabilities in the community? UCP, a growing human services agency, works with people with disabilities and their families throughout western Massachusetts in their homes and in the community. AWC is a person-centered program which allows participants to craft their own customized Day Program. As an AWC Family Support Advocate you will provide help with activities of daily living (eating and going out into the community) with socialization and engagement as priorities. Your day may include time spent in the community, at the home or any other location that both the members and families deem appropriate as you help the members navigate areas of importance such as hobbies, activities or interests in addition to providing guidance around needed life skills. The individual has an interest in comic writing and drawing.
We are seeking a thoughtful and professional support to work with several disabled adults in the Athol area.
Agency with Choice/Family Support Advocate Responsibilities:
- Provide direct, 1:1 support in the home and community
- Assist with daily living activities and promote independence
- Implement safety and behavioral support strategies as trained
- Maintain professional boundaries and accurate documentation
- Collaborate with the family and clinical team to ensure consistent care
Agency with Choice/Family Support Advocate Requirements:
- At least 18 years old with a High School Diploma or equivalent
- Six months relevant life/work experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
- Prior experience preferred in direct care, behavioral support, or working with individuals with ASD, developmental or intellectual disabilities
- Training or demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care preferred
- Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, problem‑solve, and follow through on responsibilities.
- Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—and the ability to model appropriate behavior and use neutral, professional documentation.
- Ability to maintain Adult CPR and First Aid certification (training provided).
- Ability to work flexible hours based on member and program needs.
- Basic computer proficiency to enter case notes; communicate by email, video conferencing, etc.
- Ability to safely perform physical intervention techniques in the event of an emergency as trained in Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges (PABC).
- Ability to walk, climb stairs and lifting and carry up to 10 lbs.
- Must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a private vehicle for member transportation.
- Must possess a cell phone capable of installing an approved MFA security app for communication and emergencies.
- Must pass CORI, SORI, DPPC, and national fingerprint background checks.
Agency with Choice/Family Support Advocate Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision insurance after one month of employment
- Earn two weeks vacation in first year of employment, three week rate after first year
- Three personal days per year
- Earn up to seven sick days per year
- 403(b) retirement program with agency match after one year
- Mileage reimbursement
- Tuition remission program
- Employee referral program and more!
About Us:
As part of the UCP affiliate network, UCP of Western Massachusetts offers a variety of community programs and services for persons with disabilities and other similar service needs, including Assistive Technology, Early Intervention, Individual and Family Support, and Adult Family Care. UCP has offices in western Massachusetts and is COA accredited. UCP of Western MA is guided by a set of core principles - Respect, Integrity, Communication, and Empathy. Our team is dedicated to providing a "Life Without Limits" for people with differing abilities, and we are seeking a motivated and talented individual who shares our commitment to these principles to join us in our mission. Learn more at http://ucpwma.org