DDS Central/West Region - Urban Youth - Summer Direct Care Worker - (2400030N) Description 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 human services field has career opportunities as lawyers, accountants, program directors, residential staff, nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and a wide range of other roles. The DDS Central West Region is seeking hard working and compassionate candidates to serve as interns direct care. The Central West Region of DDS is both large in geographic size and employment opportunities. Central West DDS employs over 1,500 dedicated staff who provide innovative and compassionate care directly or on behalf of thousands of individuals with disabilities. These services are delivered across seven area offices, a regional office, three state operated offices and nearly 100 state operated group homes in dozens of communities. With offices in Pittsfield, Northampton, Holyoke, Springfield, Southbridge, Worcester, Templeton and Fitchburg, we have opportunities for most everyone. The program will run from early June through early September. It will be necessary for participants to be available for the entire summer, and unfortunately no vacations will be granted. All participants must have a valid Drivers\' license. Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): 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 attend 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. Preferred Qualifications: 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. Urban Youth Collaborative Requirements: Applicant must be between 18-24 years old. Have a valid driver\'s license. Must have a reliable form of transportation. Please Note: Schedule: These positions will be on either the first and second shifts with specified days off. Pay: All State employees are paid bi-weekly through direct deposit. Current Urban Youth Collaborative pay rate is \$21.44/hour.