Housing & Employment Specialist

MHA (Mental Health Association); Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 26,174 - 28,929; 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

Job summary

Mental Health Association in Springfield, MA is seeking an Housing & Employment Specialist for the Division of Recovery Services. The on-site role supports adults in securing housing and sustainable employment, combining care coordination, job coaching, and housing navigation.

The position is full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm (40 hours), with a pay range of $19–$21 per hour. Hampden County-based work may require occasional evening hours to meet participant needs.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid driver's license and vehicle during working hours.
• Pass CPR and First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in securing and maintaining housing, including applications, landlord outreach, and tenancy advocacy.
• Conduct housing readiness assessments and safety inspections to ensure appropriate living conditions.
• Provide job development support, including resume writing, interview preparation, job search assistance, and skills training.
• Complete vocational and housing assessments to identify strengths, goals, and service needs.
• Support individuals in developing independent living skills such as budgeting, time management, and transportation use.
• Assist with applying for and maintaining public benefits, including SNAP, MassHealth, and housing subsidies.
• Promote financial stability by supporting savings strategies and financial management skills.
• Encourage community engagement while maintaining documentation, coordinating transitions and transporting individuals as needed.

Skills

Independent work

Compassion

Trauma-informed care

Teamwork

Customer service

Job description

Housing & Employment Specialist On-site Division of Recovery Services

(DRS) Full time Springfield, Massachusetts, United States Position

Summary

The Employment & Housing Specialist supports adults (ages 18+) enrolled in the SHIFT Recovery Supportive Living program to achieve their goals of sustainable employment and stable housing. This position combines care coordination, job coaching, and housing navigation, while promoting independent living skills, financial stability and self‑sufficiency. Based in Hampden County, this Monday‑Friday role may require occasional flexibility to work mid‑shift or evening hours based on the needs of the individuals.

Pay Range: $19-$21 an hour Open

Shift: Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (40hrs)

Key Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in securing and maintaining housing, including applications, landlord outreach, and tenancy advocacy.
• Conduct housing readiness assessments and safety inspections to ensure appropriate living conditions.
• Provide job development support, including resume writing, interview preparation, job search assistance, and skills training.
• Complete vocational and housing assessments to identify strengths, goals, and service needs.
• Support individuals in developing independent living skills such as budgeting, time management, and transportation use.
• Assist with applying for and maintaining public benefits, including SNAP, MassHealth, and housing subsidies.
• Promote financial stability by supporting savings strategies and financial management skills.
• Encourage community engagement while maintaining documentation, coordinating transitions and transporting individuals as needed.

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

• Valid driver's license, sufficient automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle during working hours.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Compassion, patience, and an understanding of trauma‑informed care.
• Must be at least 18 years old and able to pass and maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid.
• Experience supporting individuals with employment and/or housing preferred.

Benefits

• 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