Disability services providers in Massachusetts, like other human service agencies across the nation, are facing a staffing crisis.  The Boston Globe reported, “Nearly every sector in the state is experiencing labor shortages. But in these mainly nonprofit human services jobs, the effects are far-reaching. Workers dealing with COVID-induced stress are pulling double shifts to make up for staffing shortages.”

“Pay rates are largely determined by the state, providers say, which is the main source of funding for human service agencies.” ~ Boston Globe

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law in March 2021. It provide a one-year increase in federal matching funds for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services.  The Commonwealth has designated these funds “with the goal of strengthening and stabilizing the state’s HCBS workforce.”

“It’s a chance to foster lifelong relationships. It’s not work when you’re having fun!” ~ Shaine Alvaranga, Program Coordinator

With the time-limited ARPA funds designated to Communitas, we have strengthened our commitment to retention and recruitment of dedicated and qualified staff.

• Starting salary increased for all direct support positions in our Residential and Day Services divisions.
• Increased salaries for all existing direct support staff by the same amount.
• Salaries increased for existing and incoming front-line supervisors in Day Services and Residential Services.
• Increased salaries for nursing staff in Day, Family, and Residential Services.
• Implemented a retention bonus for Family Services staff.
• Instituted shift differential pay increases for hard-to-cover shifts (holidays and weekends).

“This is a rewarding career with opportunity for growth.  It’s definitely a life experience!” ~ Roger Plourde, Director of Residential Services

Communitas hiring managers have been meeting weekly with Human Resources, Recruitment and Marketing to develop and implement an aggressive recruitment plan.

• On-going review and update job descriptions and job listings
• Increase recruitment budget
• Schedule job fairs and hiring events
  • In person at Communitas locations
  • Remotely via Zoom
  • At job fairs hosted by local colleges and universities
• Increase presence at local community events

“I stay at Communitas due to the whole company’s forward-thinking mentality. Everyone from the CEO to DSPs are always making choices that lead to a community vibe that I have never experienced at another job.”

If you would like to recommend a job fair or community event that we could attend, please contact Cam Colson at or 781-587-2242.

If you know anyone who is thinking about changing careers, or is looking for their first career, they can contact Cam, or they can visit our website Careers Page.

Communitas offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• Insurance Benefits
  • Health Insurance through Harvard Pilgrim
  • Dental Insurance through Altus Dental
  • Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
  • Generous accrued vacation time starting at 3 weeks for full time employment
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Accrued sick time for all employees
• Education
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Internal training programs
  • Advancement and development opportunities
• Employee Recognition

December 10, 2021

In 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 1950 the UN formally adoption the recognition of International Human Rights Day on December 10^th. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated into more than 500 languages!

Article 1 – All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

This year’s theme for the celebration of Human Rights focuses on Article 1. The United Nations website says, “This includes addressing and finding solutions for deep-rooted forms of discrimination that have affected the most vulnerable people in societies, including women and girls, indigenous peoples, people of African descent, LGBTI people, migrants and people with disabilities, among others.

“Equality, inclusion and non-discrimination, in other words – a human rights-based approach to development – is the best way to reduce inequalities…”

Communitas is dedicated to affirming, protecting and promoting human rights of people with disabilities.

Our commitment to human rights is evidenced in our core values; we see people as people, and provide a place where everyone belongs, anyone can achieve, and each person plays a meaningful role.

Aside from general human rights enjoyed by everyone, people with developmental disabilities have some specifically protected rights. Among those rights are the right to humane and adequate care, to be free from discomfort, distress or deprivation. Other important rights include the right to appropriate communication, the right to self-determination and freedom of choice (including choice of services). The right to meaningful relationships that matter to them, as well as a reasonable expectation of privacy are also specifically protected rights. Also the right to be safe from free from arbitrary eviction or expulsion from their agency-managed home or day program and the right to be free from unreasonable restrictions. The right to engage in activities that promote their meaningful participation in the communities of their choice are also included. For more information about human rights of people with disabilities please visit the DDS Office of Human Rights website.

If you have any questions about Human Rights please contact the Human Rights Officer listed on our website.

Last week Wakefield Day Services had a Spirit Week! Check out these photos from Fun Hair/Sock Day!