Volunteer: DD/ABI Human Rights Committee Member

Eliot Community Human Services · Lexington

Join Eliot – A Place to Belong, Grow, and Inspire Change

At Eliot, your work has purpose. You’ll be part of a compassionate, mission-driven team committed to resilience, empowerment, and lasting change. We foster an inclusive workplace where all backgrounds and perspectives are valued, creating a culture of belonging and professional growth.

Benefits at Eliot

We prioritize your well-being, work-life balance, and career growth. Benefit eligible positions include:

Generous Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
Comprehensive Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision plans
Retirement Savings – 401(k) with employer match
Wellness & Family Support – Discounted fitness services and access to trusted childcare resources
Financial Security – 100% company-paid life and accidental death insurance
Professional Growth – Ongoing training, career advancement programs, tuition reimbursement, and leadership development

Eliot Community Human Services and R&G Healthcare Services DD/ABI Human Rights Committee (HRC) is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our committee. The primary purpose of the HRC is to promote, safeguard, and protect the human dignity and legal rights of adults with developmental disabilities (DD) and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) served by our organization.

As an HRC volunteer member, you will help us monitor programs, review practices, and ensure the individuals we support are treated with dignity, respect, and freedom of choice in the least restrictive environment possible.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

As outlined in the HRC Bylaws, members perform the following functions:

Monitor Behavior Interventions & Restraints: Review and monitor the authorization and use of proposed behavior modification interventions and emergency restraints or other limitations on movement in accordance with Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regulations.
Review Complaints & Allegations: Make inquiries into complaints and allegations of consumer mistreatment, harm, or violations of rights; file complaints as appropriate; and monitor the investigation and resolution process.
Conduct Site Visits: Participate in at least one scheduled visit per year to each service location/program site covered by the HRC to observe living/service conditions, evaluate whether services are delivered in the least restrictive environment, and report findings back to the committee.
Policy & Practice Oversight: Annually review provider policies, procedures, and practices regarding consumer rights and make recommendations to improve the protection and promotion of human and civil rights.
Research Monitoring: Monitor the conduct of research taking place at provider program sites.
Promote Consumer & Family Awareness: Review and monitor methods used to inform consumers, families, guardians, and staff about human rights, training programs, and opportunities for self-determination and freedom of choice.
Pre-Meeting Preparation: Review all meeting materials and documentation provided seven (7) days prior to regularly scheduled meetings.

Qualifications & Composition Requirements

To maintain a balanced and qualified committee in accordance with 115 CMR 3.09, we encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds.

General Requirements:

Demonstrated interest, experience, or knowledge relevant to the duties of human rights oversight.
Must not have a direct or indirect financial or administrative interest in the Provider organization.
Must commit to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all client, provider, and committee information.

Preferred Qualifications / Specific Roles Needed:

Individuals receiving services/supports from DDS, or advocates/family members for such individuals.
A Physician or Nurse.
A Psychologist or Master’s-level Practitioner with expertise in developmental disabilities, mental illness, or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
An Attorney, Law Student, or Paralegal with relevant expertise.

Time Commitment & Expectations

Meetings: Attend quarterly meetings virtually, held roughly every 3 months.
Site Visits: Conduct at least one site visit per year.
Term: Initial 2-year commitment. Annual reappointments may be made thereafter in consultation with the Division Director.
Orientation & Training: Complete an initial orientation regarding the Provider's programs and policies prior to full meeting participation. Additional training offered by the Provider and DDS will also be provided.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries and meet the qualifications listed above, please submit your resume.

Please note: The benefits listed in this posting apply to employees and are not applicable to volunteer positions.

At Eliot, we are committed to supporting you at every stage of your career, providing opportunities for growth, purpose, and community. We foster belonging in the workplace by identifying and removing barriers that may prevent individuals of all backgrounds from reaching their full potential, advancing into leadership roles, and fully engaging at all levels of the organization.

Apply today and make a difference.

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