Join Our Family, Change Lives Daily
At Families Matter, we don’t just offer jobs — we provide opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities while being part of a supportive, family-centered workplace. If you’re passionate about empowering others and want to be part of something truly special, we’d love to meet you.
Why Work at Families Matter?
Every day brings something different — and every day matters. You’ll support real people in building independence, developing skills, and becoming active, valued members of their communities. This isn’t a desk job. It’s a life-changing one.
Nearly 30 Years of Stability
Founded in 1996, Families Matter has served Maine families for nearly three decades. You’re joining an organization with deep roots, consistent leadership, and a proven mission.
A Real Family Culture
This isn’t a corporate talking point. Many of our team members have been with us 15–20+ years. When we say family, we mean it — our people stay because they’re valued, respected, and supported.
Meaningful 3:1 Ratios
With a 3:1 staff-to-participant ratio, you’ll build real relationships with the individuals you support — not manage a crowd. You’ll know their names, their goals, and their wins.
Four Convenient Locations
Work close to home with locations in Hallowell (Augusta area), Gardiner, Skowhegan, and Waterville — all serving Kennebec and Somerset Counties across central Maine.
Paid Training Provided
No experience in direct support? We provide training, including DSP certification, MANDT, CPR, and BBP. If you bring the heart, we’ll provide the skills.
Work-Life Balance
Predictable Monday–Friday schedules with standard daytime hours. No overnight shifts. No weekend requirements. Your personal time is respected
What Your Day Looks Like
Forget what you think a “day program” looks like. At Families Matter, every day is built around choice, community, and connection.
Morning — Skill Building & Goal Work Your day starts when members arrive and settle in. You’ll lead skill-building classes based on individual goals — reading, writing, math, money management, cooking, computer skills, time telling, mindfulness, communication, and independent living.
Midday — Community Engagement This is where the job comes alive. You’ll take members into the community for activities they’ve chosen: bowling, volunteering at local food banks and community centers, shopping at local grocery stores, visiting the library, exploring museums, or grabbing coffee at a spot where the staff knows our members by name.
Afternoon — Activities, Exercise & Connection Members participate in exercise (walking, Zumba, boxing classes, weights), cooking classes, art projects, karaoke, dance parties, and more. Every day wraps with lunch, goal documentation, and chores — building everyday life skills that promote real independence.
Beyond the Daily Routine Throughout the year, you’ll be part of Special Olympics training and competition, talent shows, open houses, holiday events, scenic trips to the Maine coast, swimming at local beaches, visits to farms and orchards, picnics, scavenger hunts, and community volunteering.
No two days are the same. But every day, you’ll go home knowing you made a difference.
Opportunities at Families Matter
We don’t always have open positions — because our team members tend to stay. But when we do, they fill quickly. Whether we have a current opening or not, we’re always interested in meeting passionate individuals who share our values. Submit your information below, and we’ll reach out when the right opportunity arises.
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
Locations: Hallowell (Augusta area) · Gardiner · Skowhegan · Waterville | Schedule: Monday–Friday, daytime hours | Training: Provided
As a Direct Support Professional at Families Matter, you’ll work directly with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities — supporting them in building independence, developing life skills, and engaging with their communities. You’ll lead activities, provide encouragement, document progress, and be a consistent, trusted presence in the lives of the individuals you serve.
What You’ll Do
• Support members with daily skill building: literacy, math, cooking, computer skills, money management, and independent living
• Accompany members into the community for activities, outings, volunteering, and social engagement
• Provide direct support in accordance with each individual’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP)
• Document daily progress on member goals — these become part of each person’s permanent record
• Participate in Special Olympics events, community volunteering, and enrichment activities
What We’re Looking For
• A genuine passion for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Experience with adults with intellectual disabilities preferred — we also train the right candidates
• Reliability, patience, and strong communication skills
• Valid Maine driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and liability insurance
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive hourly rate
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance
• Paid time off, holidays, and paid training
• A supportive, family-centered work environment where your contributions are valued every day
Hear From Our Team
Our team members don’t just work here — they belong here. We’re collecting stories from our staff about what makes Families Matter special. Check back soon.
Interested? Let’s Connect.
Submit your information below and we’ll be in touch. Whether we have a current opening or you’d like to be considered for future opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.
Questions About Employment?
Call us at 207-621-1024 or email hello@familiesmatterinc.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Families Matter Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
- Experience the Families Matter Approach Firsthand
Ready to see how our person-centered approach can support you or your loved one?
We'd love to show you our programming in action and discuss how we can work together to achieve meaningful goals.