1st & 2nd Shift Direct Care

Mental Health Association - Western MA; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 54,443,000 - 60,174,000; Full time

Job summary

Mental Health Association - Western MA is seeking Direct Care Workers to create a supportive residential setting for participants facing homelessness, trauma, and mental health challenges. You will empower recovery through person-centered planning, respecting core values of dignity, integrity, and compassion.

Responsibilities include assisting with daily activities, teaching life skills, providing transportation, and coordinating with community resources.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Human services experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Reliable transportation to use during work hours.
• Auto insurance with your name listed as insured driver.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset.
• Patience, compassion and the ability to adapt to participant needs.
• Ability to pass background checks and required certifications (CPR & First Aid).

Responsibilities

• Support participants with daily routines (cooking, cleaning, hygiene, etc.).
• Teach life skills and promote independence.
• Provide transportation to appointments or activities.
• Encourage self-advocacy and connect participants to community resources.
• Facilitate group activities and house meetings.
• Respond to health or behavioral concerns using supportive strategies.
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold safety protocols.

Skills

Communication skills

Team player

Patience

Compassion

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

Direct Care Workers will provide a supportive environment in a community residential setting, empowering the participants who have been impacted by homelessness, psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, and/or addiction in achieving their vision of recovery and rehabilitation, focusing on strength and resiliency through person-centered planning. They will perform responsibilities professionally, in accordance with MHA’s Core Values (Respect, Integrity, and Compassion), organizational mission, policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines.

Pay Range: $19-$21 an hour

Open Shift: Sunday & Monday 7am-3pm, Friday 3pm-11pm (24hrs)

Key Responsibilities

• Support participants with daily routines (cooking, cleaning, hygiene, etc.)
• Teach life skills and promote independence
• Provide transportation to appointments or activities
• Encourage self-advocacy and connect participants to community resources
• Facilitate group activities and house meetings
• Respond to health or behavioral concerns using supportive strategies
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold safety protocols

About the Division of Recovery Services (DRS)

The Division of Recovery Services (DRS) supports individuals of all ages navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Our youth residential programs provide a safe, structured environment for adolescents involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to address behavioral health needs. For adults, DRS offers residential and outreach support for those in recovery or living with addiction, including many with co-occurring mental health concerns. Through compassionate, trauma-informed care, we help individuals build coping skills, restore stability, and work toward long-term recovery and wellness.

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.

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Human services experience is preferred
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation to utilize during work hours
• Auto insurance with your name listed as an insured driver on the policy
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset
• Patience, compassion, and the ability to adapt to participant needs
• Ability to pass background checks and required certifications (CPR & First Aid)