Direct Care

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

Job summary

Mental Health Association (MHA) in Chicopee, MA seeks a Residential Support Specialist to provide a safe, supportive environment in Integrated Community Living settings. Travel between program locations as needed to ensure consistent support and foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals with developmental disabilities or autism.

The role includes helping with daily living activities, goal setting, and community participation while promoting dignity, choice, and

Qualifications

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to provide personal care and daily living support.
• Willingness to travel between program locations as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support for daily living activities.
• Facilitate transportation access and community engagement.
• Support health needs including medication administration and appointments.
• Maintain accurate documentation of expenditures and logs.
• Participate in training and maintain MAP/CPR/First Aid certifications.

Skills

Clear communication

Documentation

Adaptability

Personal care support

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in human services (preferred)

MAP/CPR/First Aid certifications (required)

Job description

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 Shifts: 1st shift, 2nd shift, or 3rd shift, part-time or full-time opportunities

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.

Requirements

• 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 working with individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or autism is preferred