3rd & 2nd Shift Direct Care

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental &amp

Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & PH

Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Long Term Disability

Salary $19-21 per hour

Job summary

Mental Health Association - Western MA is seeking a Residential Support Specialist to provide person-centered support in community residential settings across Western Massachusetts. The role involves traveling between program locations and offering flexible coverage to foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.

You will support daily living activities, personal goals, and community participation while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.
• MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications required; maintain current certifications.
• Minimum of 18 years old.
• At least six months of relevant experience with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or autism preferred.
• Ability to provide personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility.
• Strong time management; ability to work independently and with a team.
• Effective verbal, written, computer, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to participants in daily living activities and personal care.
• Promote community integration by facilitating transportation, social activities, and access to resources.
• Support health needs, medication administration per MAP standards, appointment scheduling, and wellbeing monitoring.
• Assist with financial skills and money management and document expenditures.
• Respond to emergencies and crises following agency protocols and communicate with supervisors.
• Advocate for participants and liaise with families, providers, and community supports.
• Contribute to ISPs and document progress and participation.
• Maintain daily logs, incident reports, and health records accurately.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree 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 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: Monday & Tuesday 11pm-9am, Friday & Saturday 3pm-11pm (36hrs)

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.

• 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