Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

08/31/2026

Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a lasting difference? The Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is hiring compassionate professionals to support people with developmental disabilities in leading full, empowered lives.

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Palmer Public Library — 1455 N Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069

Open positions:

Direct Care Worker I — $23.44/hour

Qualified applicants may receive on-the-spot interviews and offers, with application assistance available.

📌 Open positions are available in Palmer, Monson, Belchertown, Amherst, Ware, South Hadley, Wilbraham, Southbridge, Warren and North Brookfield.

Bring your driver’s license and a second form of ID. Applicants must meet minimum entrance requirements.

👉 Reserve your spot: https://lnkd.in/em7Q5dpP

08/21/2026

08/12/2026

It was a special afternoon in Foxborough as Lifeworks showcased the new community garden in its backyard. What had previously been an overgrown section of the property was transformed into a beautiful parcel with raised beds that allow neighbors to grow their own vegetables and flowers. This is the perfect encapsulation of community first, as neighbors become friends as they tend to their gardens, share their bounty and get to know each other.

08/07/2026

It was a wonderful day in the Southeast region to celebrate our Urban Youth Collaborative Program graduates! Program Coordinators
Kelsey Charland and Brennan Correia were joined by Yemi Ogunlesi and Carol Boushell of Southeastern Residential Services in honoring the interns.

The graduates spent the summer participated in shadowing opportunities in a variety of clinical roles, including focusing on a career in architecture and accessibility.

08/07/2026

As Assistance Dog Week wraps up, DDS is excited about this pilot program. It is specifically designed to support individuals with "invisible disabilities," including those on the autism spectrum. These service dogs receive specialized training to perform tasks that can significantly improve daily functioning and well-being, such as:

*Behavioral Interruption: Helping to redirect panic attacks or self-harming behaviors.
*Environmental Support: Creating personal space in public settings to reduce overwhelm.
*Deep Pressure Therapy: Providing grounding sensory input to help calm the individual.
*Routine Assistance: Waking individuals from nightmares or providing reminders for daily routines.

08/06/2026

The Urban Youth Collaborative Program's interns at the Wrentham Development Center were celebrated yesterday for their excellent work with residents and staff this summer. DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson, Wrentham Development Center Facility Director Judi Lydon-Ruby and UYCP coordinators Kathy Stoffel and Chrissy Hanchett were on hand to congratulate the interns!

08/04/2026

Today marked the Urban Youth Collaborative Program’s 35th graduation ceremony, with HHS Secretary Dr. Kiame Mahania and DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson thanking the 239 interns for their outstanding work in human services this summer. Morgan Bohannon from Turning Point, Inc.; Rafael Quiroz of TILL, INC.; and Sylvie Preira of the Wrentham Development Center delivered remarks about how the UYCP has inspired them to careers in human services. Additionally, three interns were singled out for awards: Mickael Tocci was presented the Paulette Anjorin Leadership Award; Emma Bowes won the Jerry Scott Community Service Award; and Luca Moretti was given the Steven E. Collins Leadership in Disability Advocacy Award.

Congratulations to all graduates!

07/29/2026

It was an honor to recognize 12 human services workers for completing the LPN Certificate Program. Receiving their certificates at the graduation ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel in Framingham were Vivian Smith; Terence Nkeng; Sharon Hunter; Rose-Carlie Boromee; Rodrick McKoy; Peter Serwadda; Monica Garcia; Jayme Leonard; Cornella Coppedge; Frederick Asamoha; Chase Davis; and Zachary McCann. Congratulations to each of you on all of your hard work!

07/27/2026

Our friends The Arc of Massachusetts put together this helpful fact sheet about the new Blue Envelope Law in the Commonwealth.

07/22/2026

Join us at our Direct Care & LPN Hiring Event and discover how you can make a lasting impact while growing your career.

📅 Wednesday, August 5, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Rutland Public Library
280 Main Street, Rutland, MA

We’re hiring:
🌟 Direct Care Worker I – Starting at $23.44/hour
🌟 Licensed Practical Nurse I – Starting at $37.34/hour

Pre-schedule your interview here: https://lnkd.in/gRmfkKQ3, and don’t forget to bring your driver’s license and a second form of ID.

Together, we can create brighter futures—one act of care at a time. We can’t wait to meet you! 💜
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