Direct Care Worker (Relief/Per Diem)

MHA (Mental Health Association); Chicopee (MA); On-site; USD 21,593 - 30,754; Part time

Job summary

MHA (Mental Health Association) is seeking Direct Care Workers to provide supportive environments in community residential settings. Responsibilities include supporting daily routines and encouraging independence in participants impacted by homelessness, psychiatric diagnoses, and addiction.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, relevant human services experience is preferred, and must possess strong communication skills. This role offers a pay rate of $19 per hour, with relief/per diem shifts.

Qualifications

• Human services experience is preferred.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Reliable transportation and auto insurance are necessary.
• Ability to pass background checks and required certifications (MAP, CPR, First Aid).

Responsibilities

• Support participants with daily routines (cooking, cleaning, hygiene).
• 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.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team-first mindset

Patience

Compassion

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

Direct Care Workers will provide a supportive environment in a community residential setting, empowering 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.

Shift: Relief/Per diem

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

Pay Rate

$19 per hour

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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or 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
• 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 (MAP, CPR, First Aid)