Advocates·Northborough, Massachusetts
Supervise daily activities of program residents experiencing mental health and substance use challenges to increase their independence. Provide ongoing support, medication management, and assistance with community integration and treatment plan goals.
$18.50/hour Monday, Wednesday through Saturday 6am-2pm Come join the Advocates team as a Direct Service Worker! In this entry-level role, you will support individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. As a Direct Service Worker, you will work collaboratively on a team to supervise the daily activities of program residents. You will provide ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling to program residents, following individualized plans to increase independence and achieve goals. You will also be responsible for medication management, assisting with finances, and helping residents integrate into the community.
At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. We're a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of every employee and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where people can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact. Minimum Education Required High School Diploma/GED Shift First Shift
Participate in the development of treatment plans and attend other treatment meetings, including weekly staff meetings. Document progress towards treatment plans. Perform interventions with clients that address their identified goals and result in skill development. Provide linkage with other program staff and other service providers. Communicate program participant’s progress, mental status, and any changes in daily notes. Provide ongoing support, guidance, role modeling and supervision to clients. Identify and address community integration issues for clients with supervisor’s direction. Monitor and document medication administration. Ensure a clean, safe and home-like environment for clients. Remain alert at all times throughout scheduled work shift. Ensure all paperwork, reports, trainings are up to date and completed within the Divisions expected timelines Attend and actively participate in core training and maintain certification of required trainings (CPR/First Aid, Crisis Management, MAP). Provide crisis intervention and access emergency services as needed.
Bachelor’s Degree; or High School Diploma or equivalent degree and one year of related experience. Excellent interpersonal, judgement and coaching skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to utilize basic computer applications. Desire to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centered, team-oriented environment. Excellent written and verbal communication. Must hold a valid driver's license, have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients. Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations. Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.
ACCS, residential services, residential support, group home, group living environment, GLE, Social Work, Mental Health, Counselor, psychiatric rehabilitation, behavioral services
Requires a High School Diploma/GED and either a Bachelor's degree or one year of related experience. Must possess a valid driver's license, an insured vehicle, and the ability to obtain certifications in CPR/First Aid and Crisis Management.
Market context
In Massachusetts, Direct Service Worker roles are commonly tied to behavioral health and community-based support programs, where demand is driven by ongoing staffing needs in client-facing services. These roles are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma or GED plus preferred behavioral health experience, and they may also require a valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle for client transport. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your transportation access and highlight any related care or support experience in your application.
