1st & 2nd Shift Direct Care

Mental Health Association - Western MA; South Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mental Health Association - Western MA is seeking a Residential Support Specialist to provide a supportive, safe environment in community residential settings. The role requires traveling among program locations within the Integrated Community Living (ICL) department to offer flexible, consistent support.

You will help individuals with daily living activities, promote growth, independence, and community engagement while upholding dignity and choice.

Qualifications

• MAP, CPR and First Aid certifications required.
• At least six months experience with mental health, intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism preferred.
• Must be able to provide personal care and support daily living activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to participants in daily living activities and skill development.
• Promote community integration by helping access transportation and social activities.
• Support health needs including medication administration and appointment scheduling.
• Assist with money management and maintain accurate documentation of expenditures.
• Respond to emergencies following agency protocols and communicate with supervisors.
• Advocate for participants and assist with ISPs and progress documentation.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, incident reports and health records.
• Promote safety by following procedures and participating in drills.
• Collaborate with team, complete trainings, and maintain MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications.

Skills

Patient-centered care

Communication skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Documentation skills

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree preferred

Tools

MAP standards

CPR

First Aid

Job description

Position Summary

As a Residential Support Specialist, you will provide a supportive and safe environment in community residential settings within MHA's ICL (Integrated Community Living) department. This role involves traveling to different program locations based on staffing needs, offering flexibility while providing consistent support across the department. You will help foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism. You will support individuals with daily living activities, personal goals, and participation in their communities while promoting dignity, choice, and independence.

Pay Range: $19-$21 an hour

Open Shift: Fridays 1p-9p, Saturdays & Sundays 9a-3p (20 hours)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to participants in daily living activities, personal care, and skill development.
• Promote community integration by facilitating access to transportation, social activities, and external resources.
• Support participants' health needs, including medication administration (per MAP standards), appointment scheduling, and monitoring overall wellbeing.
• Assist with financial skills and money management, maintaining accurate documentation of all expenditures.
• Respond to emergencies and crisis situations appropriately, following agency protocols and communicating with supervisors.
• Advocate for participants and help them build self-advocacy skills; serve as a liaison with families, providers, and community supports.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), documenting progress and participation.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, and health records.
• Promote a safe environment by following all safety procedures, assisting with emergency drills, and identifying potential hazards.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, attend training, maintain certifications (MAP, CPR, First Aid), and actively participate in meetings and supervision.

About Integration & Community Living (ICL)

The Integration & Community Living (ICL) program supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism in living independently and meaningfully within their communities. In partnership with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), ICL provides person-centered residential and outreach services throughout Western Massachusetts. With over 60 years of experience, MHA supports individuals in transitioning from institutional settings into homes where they can build skills, make choices, and actively participate in community life. Services include supported and shared living, emergency respite, and privately funded care, all designed to promote independence, dignity, and meaningful community connections.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Mental Health Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record required.
• Must maintain MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• Must be at least 18 years.
• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• At least six months' experience with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism is preferred.
• Provide personal care, including assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with strong time management.
• Effective verbal, written, computer, and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to participants' evolving needs.
• Minimum of six months of relevant experience; experience working with individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or autism is preferred.