Agency with Choice Advocate 1:1

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  .

Position: Agency with Choice Advocate 1:1

Location: North Adams, MA

Remote Status: On-Site

Job :424

# of Openings:1

Agency With Choice Advocate 1:1
Job Type: Part-Time

Schedule:

20-25 hours per week (M, T, W, TH.)

Location:

535 Curran Highway North Adams, MA
Are you looking for rewarding work with adults with disabilities in the community? As an Agency with Choice 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 with the member at one of the UCP drop in centers in North Adams or Pittsfield, in the community, at the home or any other location that both the member and family deem appropriate as you help the member navigate areas of importance such as hobbies, activities or interests in addition to providing guidance around needed life skills.

Some afternoon and evening hours are required. Although experience is preferred, we will train the right person for this role.
There is an opportunity for additional hours, if desired, to create a full time, benefited position.

Communication Preferences for Member:

• Uses text based communication as a primary method
• Benefits from clear, concise questions and allows additional time to process information before responding
• Prefers interactions with people who have a calm demeanor

Ideal Match:

• Calm, quiet, and gentle with their communication style
• Respectful of alternative communication methods including texting
• Able to provide support without pressure, allowing conversations and interactions to occur at the individual’s pace
• Kind, compassionate, and attentive to non-verbal cues
• Comfortable with periods of silence and able to create a low-pressure environment
• Reliable, consistent, and supportive in building trust and rapport
• Sensitive to allergies and medical needs
• Have some flexibility

Agency with Choice Advocate Requirements

• At least 18 years old with a High School Diploma or equivalent
• Six months of relevant life/work experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Prior experience in direct care, behavioral support, or working with individuals with ASD, developmental or intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Basic computer skills to enter case notes; communicate by email, video conferencing, etc.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, problem‑solve, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—and the ability to model appropriate behavior and use neutral, professional documentation.
• Ability to work flexible hours when needed in order to accommodate the needs of members.
• 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, lift and carry up to 10 lbs.
• Have certification in CPR/First Aid or ability to be certified (training provided)
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license, proof…