Direct Care

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

403B/IRA Retirement

Paid Time Off

Family Leave

Job summary

Residential Support Specialist (RSS) at Mental Health Association - Western MA provides a supportive environment in a community residence for individuals facing homelessness, psychiatric conditions, trauma, and/or addiction. The role emphasizes person-centered, strengths-based recovery with MAP-guided medication support and psychoeducational group leadership.

The schedule runs Sundays and Mondays from 7am to 11pm (32 hours).

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance.
• High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework in human services preferred.
• Minimum six months experience with homelessness, psychiatric conditions, trauma or addiction.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong time management and follow-through.
• Strong written, oral, and computer skills.
• Ability to adapt to participant needs and program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily living skills (hygiene, housekeeping, nutrition) and model tasks.
• Support participants in exploring education, benefits, and community resources.
• Apply trauma-informed care to support recovery goals and report concerns.
• Assist with medication administration per MAP guidelines and maintain documentation.
• Provide budgeting and banking support; track in-house funds and expenditures.
• Transport participants to appointments and maintain a reliable insured vehicle.

Skills

Driving

Teamwork

Time management

Communication

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MAP system

CPR/First Aid

Job description

Position Summary

The Residential Support Specialist (RSS) provides a supportive environment within a community residential setting to assist individuals impacted by homelessness, psychiatric diagnoses, trauma, and/or addiction. Responsibilities are carried out in accordance with MHA’s Core Values—Respect, Integrity, and Compassion—and aligned with organizational policies, practices, funding requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. The focus is on supporting participants in their recovery and rehabilitation using a person-centered, strengths-based approach.

Schedule: Sundays and Mondays 7am- 11pm (32 hours)

Essential Job Functions

• Assist with daily living skills (hygiene, housekeeping, nutrition), encourage self-advocacy, and model tasks like transportation, social activities, and recreation.
• Support participants in exploring education, benefits, and community resources (e.g., PVTA, Social Security, vocational services).
• Apply trauma-informed care to support recovery goals, identify triggers, and respond to pre-crisis or medical situations; report concerns as required.
• Help schedule and attend appointments; assist with medication administration per MAP guidelines, perform audits, and complete required documentation.
• Provide budgeting and banking support, track all in-house funds, and document expenditures accurately per shift.
• Transport participants to appointments, employment, or activities; maintain a reliable, insured vehicle and complete required driver training.
• Use agency platforms (EHR, timesheets, etc.), complete all documentation timely and objectively, and participate in training as needed.
• Lead psychoeducational groups and house meetings; maintain professional boundaries and encourage participant engagement.
• Involve participants in household maintenance and complete cleaning and safety tasks to ensure a healthy environment.
• Work with the team to support participant goals and maintain effective, professional communication.
• Remain flexible with scheduling and location assignments; fulfill additional duties as needed based on program demands.
• Follow all agency protocols, including incident reporting, abuse/neglect procedures, and medication safety practices.

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.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, acceptable driving record, and sufficient insurance.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in human services or related field preferred.
• Minimum of six months experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, psychiatric conditions, trauma, and/or addiction.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; strong time management and follow-through.
• Effective written, oral, and computer skills.
• Capacity to adapt to participant needs and program requirements.
• Patience, empathy, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Ability to obtain and maintain MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

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