Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Successful Completion of Department of Developmental Services Internship Program for EA Shelter Residents

Danvers — The Healey-Driscoll Administration is celebrating the graduation of nine individuals from an internship program with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) designed to prepare participants to fill critical roles in the Massachusetts workforce. The program, developed in partnership by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, trains immigrants who have been served by the state’s Emergency Assistance (EA) program for direct care roles within DDS working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This paid internship program lasted for 15 weeks, during which participants gained hands-on experience working closely with DDS staff and individuals in care at Hogan Regional Center. In addition to job skills training, this program provided professional growth through mentorship, English language training, cultural orientation, and exposure to the human services industry in Massachusetts. The nine individuals were selected from a competitive pool of applicants based on prior experience and are now poised to take up direct care positions with DDS in the coming months.

“We know how important it is that care is provided by skilled and compassionate professionals, especially in direct care roles that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “It was inspiring to meet the graduates of this program. They will join our strong, capable workforce and our family members and neighbors to live their best lives, and I am excited that that this opportunity can provide an equitable solution that benefits everyone involved and help address the challenge of growing our health and human services.”

“Developing our workforce takes collaboration, and this celebration demonstrates an effective partnership to pave a meaningful career within DDS for jobseekers and deliver the direct care within DDS facilities,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “By being intentional, we are closing workforce skills gaps and connecting untapped talent to opportunity right here in Massachusetts. Congratulations to our graduates!”

“This program is really a win-win,” said Department of Developmental Services Acting Commissioner Sarah Peterson. “By training new arrivals to our state for these important jobs, we are not only cultivating a strong and diverse workforce that enriches the care we provide, but also giving those who’ve been served by our Emergency Assistance system a foundation for meaningful careers here in Massachusetts.”

Following the success of the pilot, this program is anticipated to expand to other DDS facilities, starting with Wrentham Developmental Center. It will provide additional opportunities for people in the EA system to join the DDS workforce and contribute to communities in Massachusetts.

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