Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services
Seasonal Help/Winter - Direct Care Worker I - Western MA and Berkshires Area
15 Atwood Drive, Northampton, MA
On-site · Full-time
First seen by offpeak October 15, 2026
See your drive time Apply on Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services's site
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.