1st Shift Direct Care

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plan

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Family leave

Long term disability

Job summary

Mental Health Association - Western MA is seeking Direct Care Workers to provide a supportive environment in a community residential setting for participants facing homelessness, trauma, and mental health challenges. You will support daily routines, promote independence, and use person-centered planning in alignment with our core values.

Open shift is Monday through Friday 7a-3p (40 hours) with a pay range of $19-$21 per hour.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required or equivalent.
• Human services experience is preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Reliable transportation 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 adaptability 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 resources.
• Facilitate group activities and house meetings.
• Respond to health or behavioral concerns using supportive strategies.
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold safety protocols.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team-first mindset

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: Monday through Friday 7a-3p (40hrs)

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)

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Long Term Disability
• $19-21 an hour