Job Description 

This position is located at the Hogan Regional Center (7HC) in Danvers, Ma

The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks caring and compassionate applicants for the role of Vocational Instructor A/B who are committed to building meaningful relationships in order to provide outstanding care and service. The Vocational Instructor A/B instructs individuals in a day program setting and helps to implement established treatment plans.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Provides direct supports to individuals at work, some with violent and extreme behaviors, high medical, cognitive, and/or physical needs
• Assists individuals in meeting his/her personal care and nutritional needs as it occurs at work or in the morning when assisting people to prepare for work
• Instructs clients in a day program setting in the areas of social, cognitive, motor, behavioral and communicative skill
• development and refinement.
• Implements established treatment plans in order to provide quality day programs
• Ensures clients human rights when participating in day program by maintaining a safe and healthy programming
• environment
• Provides training appropriate to clients’ individualized needs
• Promotes client dignity, self-worth and esteem
• Determines clients’ functional status by assessing clients against established day program exit criteria in conjunction with supervisor(s) and co-workers so that appropriate day programming services are provided
• Works cooperatively in a multi-disciplinary environment to meet the goals and objectives of the individuals Coordinated Treatment Plans

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to develop and maintain a respectful, caring, tolerant, ethical, and empowering relationship with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in an assigned vocational subject area

Agency Requirements:

• Must possess current and valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

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:

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry
• 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

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the ADA Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

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.

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PAID ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS AND MUST HAVE DIRECT DEPOSIT. Listed salary ranges are for one full year at current rates.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and/or blindness; in vocational or industrial training; or in vocational or industrial instruction. 

SUBSTITUTIONS:  

-  An Associate's or higher degree in industrial arts or vocational education may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

 -  One year of education equals 30 semester hours.  Education toward degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 

LICENSES:  Based on assignment, travel may be required.  Those employees who elect to use a motor vehicle for travel must have a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license or the equivalent from another state.

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.