1st Shift Direct Care

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

Job summary

Mental Health Association - Western MA seeks a Residential Support Specialist to provide a supportive and safe environment across community living sites in the ICL program. You will travel between program locations to offer flexible, consistent support for adults with brain injuries, mental health, and cognitive challenges.

The role includes helping with daily living and personal care, coordinating health needs, and documenting progress in ISPs and health records.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
• Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills.
• Adaptability to participants’ changing needs.
• Provide personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility).
• Pass and maintain MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• HS diploma or GED; college degree preferred.
• Minimum of six months of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support for daily living and skills development.
• Promote community integration through access to transportation and activities.
• Support health needs, including medication administration and appointment scheduling.
• Assist with financial skills and accurate documentation of expenditures.
• Respond to emergencies per agency protocols and communicate with supervisors.
• Advocate for participants and liaise with families and community supports.
• Contribute to ISPs and document progress and participation.
• Maintain timely documentation including logs and health records.
• Ensure safety by following procedures and assisting with drills.
• Collaborate with team, attend trainings, and maintain MAP/CPR/First Aid certifications.

Skills

Communication skills

Documentation & organization

Adaptability

Patient care

Team collaboration

MAP certification

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree in human services (preferred)

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 and consistent support across the department. You will help foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals who have experienced a brain injury resulting in physical limitations, mental health, and/or cognitive challenges.

Pay Range: $19 - $21 an hour

Open Shift: Saturday & Sunday 9am-3pm (12hrs)

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 developmental disabilities and brain injuries in living independently and meaningfully in the community. In partnership with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), ICL provides person-centered residential and outreach services across Western Massachusetts. With over 60 years of experience, MHA helps individuals transition from institutional settings into homes where they can grow, make choices, and fully participate in community life. Services range from supported and shared living to emergency respite and privately funded care, all designed to promote independence, dignity, and connection.

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 an acceptable driving record.
• Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills.
• Adaptability to participants’ changing needs.
• Provide personal care, including assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility.
• Ability to pass and maintain certifications in medication administration (MAP), CPR, and First Aid.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED required; college degree in human services or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of six months of relevant experience; experience with individuals with brain injuries, mental health challenges, or developmental disabilities is preferred.