Direct Support Professional I - Childrens Congregate Care
Company : Seven Hills Foundation
Location : Hopedale, MA, 01747
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
Overview
Join our compassionate team with Seven Hills Pediatric Center in a pediatric medically complex congregate care home where we provide specialized care for children with developmental disabilities and medical needs. Our mission is to support children in a safe, nurturing environment, fostering independence and community engagement. We are seeking dedicated Direct Support Professional I to join our team and make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.
Role Overview:As a Direct Support Professional I, you will play a vital role in assisting children with complex medical and developmental needs to live fulfilling, independent lives. You will be an integral part of a professional team, providing direct care, administering medications, supporting developmental goals, and facilitating an enjoyable and safe living environment. Your work will directly impact the lives of children by helping them access the community, maintain relationships, and develop valuable skills.
Compensation: $22hr
Responsibilities
- Provide Dignified Care: Treat all children with the utmost respect and dignity, ensuring they are cared for with kindness, empathy, and compassion.
- Health & Wellness Support: Ensure the health and well-being of each child by:
- Accompanying children on medical appointments as needed.
- Administering medications in compliance with residential care guidelines and DCF policies.
- Providing well-balanced meals that meet individual nutritional needs.
- Following healthcare instructions from physicians, nurse practitioners, and licensed medical professionals.
- Comprehensive Support: Assist with implementing personalized treatment plans, including behavioral support strategies and skill-building activities.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, caregivers, and family members to foster a positive, team-oriented environment.
- Community Engagement: Facilitate opportunities for children to interact with their community, whether through household shopping or other community-based activities.
- Ongoing Training & Development: Complete mandatory training and certifications, including Medication Administration, CPR, First Aid, and other professional development programs as required.
- Crisis Management: Adhere to organizational policies and procedures in responding to crisis situations, ensuring a calm and effective resolution.
Qualifications
- Passion for Care: A commitment to working with children with developmental disabilities, particularly those with complex medical needs, and helping them fully participate in the life of their community.
- Driving Requirements: Valid driver’s license and a good driving record to accompany children to appointments and community activities.
- Experience: A proven record of responsible behavior, whether from work, volunteer, or school experience.
- Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and maintain a positive, constructive attitude.
- Certifications (if applicable): If licensed as a Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA), must have a current Massachusetts CNA license.
- Skills & Traits: Must possess strong communication skills, reliability, and a genuine interest in helping children with special needs thrive.
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Frequently asked questions
Direct Support Professional I roles shape children's lives by delivering personalized care tailored to complex developmental and medical needs. They nurture independence, facilitate community participation, and implement behavioral and skill-building strategies, ensuring a supportive environment that promotes both safety and personal growth.
Key qualifications include a passion for aiding children with developmental disabilities, a valid Massachusetts driver's license for community outings, and strong communication skills. Experience through work or volunteer roles and current certifications like a CNA license (if applicable) enhance eligibility for this specialized caregiving position.
Daily tasks involve administering medications according to healthcare plans, supporting children's developmental goals, coordinating community engagement activities, and collaborating with healthcare teams. Providing nutritious meals and responding calmly to crises are also integral, ensuring holistic support for medically complex children.
Seven Hills Foundation emphasizes a compassionate, team-oriented culture focused on pediatric care within medically complex environments. Their model integrates ongoing professional development, community involvement, and respect for children's dignity, setting a higher standard for holistic and specialized child support services.
Yes, Seven Hills values caregivers who demonstrate empathy alongside strict adherence to medical protocols and behavioral plans. Their professionals must actively engage with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring both individualized care and community integration for children, which is a defining feature compared to general child care roles.
The position offers $22 per hour, which aligns competitively with other specialized child care roles in Hopedale, MA. This rate reflects the demanding nature of supporting medically complex children and includes responsibilities like medication administration and crisis intervention that require specialized skills.
Hopedale shows steady demand for professionals skilled in pediatric congregate care, driven by regional needs for specialized child support services. Job seekers with relevant certifications and experience in complex medical care often find favorable opportunities and community-centered roles here.
Prospective employees should assess travel times within Hopedale's suburban layout, especially since this role requires transporting children to appointments and community activities. Reliable transportation and a clean driving record are essential to meet these mobility demands efficiently.
Vital skills include empathy, patience, medication administration proficiency, crisis management, and collaborative communication. Additionally, the ability to implement behavioral support and nutritional guidance ensures comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional needs.
This role uniquely combines hands-on medical care with developmental support in a group home setting. Unlike general child care providers, professionals here manage complex health protocols, coordinate with medical teams, and foster independence in children with specialized needs.