Family Support Advocate

Interested in making a difference in the lives of others? Click on a position below to complete an application. Employment at UCP of Western Massachusetts, Inc.

UCP of Western Massachusetts is looking for dedicated, enthusiastic professionals with an interest in a rewarding career working with children or adults with disabilities in the community.

We provide a positive and supportive work environment for our employees. Our team members come from all backgrounds with a wide array of talents and interest and we expect all our employees to strive to support UCP’s values of mutual respect and dignity, upholding confidentiality, full involvement in community life for individuals with disabilities, non‑discrimination and teamwork. All positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.

Post‑offer background checks will be conducted. UCP of Western Massachusetts is a drug free workplace.

UCP of Western Massachusetts is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, UCP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at 413‑442‑1562.

Position: Family Support Advocate

Location: Amherst, MA

Job : 411

# of Openings: 1

Agency with Choice/Family Support Advocate

Job Type: Full Time

Schedule: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Amherst, MA

Are you looking for rewarding work with adults with disabilities in the community? UCP, a growing human services agency, works with people with disabilities and their families throughout western Massachusetts in their homes and in the community. AWC is a person‑centered program which allows participants to craft their own customized Day Program. As an AWC Family Support Advocate you will provide help with activities of daily living (eating and going out into the community) with socialization and engagement as priorities.

Your day may include time spent in the community, at the home or any other location that both the members and families deem appropriate as you help the members navigate areas of importance such as hobbies, activities or interests in addition to providing guidance around needed life skills.

We are seeking a thoughtful and professional support to work with several disabled adults in the Amherst area and surrounding towns.

• Provide direct, 1:1 support in the home and community
• Assist with daily living activities and promote independence
• Implement safety and behavioral support strategies as trained
• Maintain professional boundaries and accurate documentation
• Collaborate with the family and clinical team to ensure consistent care

• At least 18 years old with a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Six months relevant life/work experience with individuals with disabilities preferred
• Prior experience preferred in direct care, behavioral support, or working with individuals with ASD, developmental or intellectual disabilities
• Training or demonstrated understanding of trauma‑informed care preferred
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, problem‑solve, and follow through on responsibilities
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—and the ability to model appropriate behavior and use neutral, professional documentation
• Ability to maintain Adult CPR and First Aid certification (training provided)
• Ability to work flexible hours based on member and program needs
• Basic computer proficiency to enter case notes; communicate by email, video conferencing, etc.
• Ability to safely perform physical intervention techniques in the event of an emergency as trained in Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges (PABC)
• Ability to walk, climb stairs and lift and carry up to 10 lbs
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a private vehicle for member transportation
• Must possess a cell phone capable of installing an approved MFA security app for communication and emergencies
• Must pass CORI, SORI, DPPC, and national fingerprint background…