Lead Residential Support Specialist- CSS

Behavioral Health Network, Inc (BHN); Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network, Inc (BHN) is seeking a Lead Residential Support Specialist to join the Clinical Stabilization Services team in Western Massachusetts. You will provide trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support in a structured residence for adults with substance-use and co-occurring behavioral health needs and act as an experienced shift resource to CSS staff.

The role emphasizes coordinating shift priorities, promoting recovery, ensuring safety, and collaborating with nursing,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of direct-care experience required, preferably in substance-use treatment, behavioral health, recovery services, or a residential setting; ability to serve as a positive role model and experienced shift resource is essential.
• Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle available during working hours required.
• Commitment to recovery, harm reduction, individual empowerment, informed choice, human rights, dignity, safety, and successful community integration.
• Ability to provide compassionate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed support to adults with substance-use and co-occurring behavioral health needs.
• Knowledge of residential operations, medication routines, health and safety, crisis prevention, relapse prevention, recovery planning, and transitions between levels of care.
• Strong organization, documentation, observation, problem-solving, computer, electronic health record, and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to complete and maintain required training, including First Aid, CPR, medication administration when applicable, crisis prevention, human rights, infection control, fire safety, and Massachusetts DPH/BSAS requirements.
• Ability to work assigned shifts in a 24-hour residential program and meet the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented support in a safe, structured Clinical Stabilization Services residence for adults with substance-use and co-occurring behavioral health needs.
• Serve as an experienced shift resource for Residential Support Specialists by modeling expectations, coordinating shift priorities, and communicating concerns to program leadership without formal supervisory authority.
• Build respectful relationships and promote recovery, independence, informed choice, dignity, harm reduction, relapse prevention, healthy routines, group participation, self-advocacy, and preparation for the next level of care.
• Monitor physical health, behavioral health, recovery progress, and overall well-being; recognize changes or urgent concerns and collaborate promptly with nursing, clinical, medical, and program leadership.
• Support medication administration and treatment routines, review medication supplies and records, address discrepancies, and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with prescriber orders and program requirements.
• Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies, coordinate an appropriate response to emergencies, and follow all incident-reporting, health, safety, infection-control, and fire-safety procedures.
• Support admissions, appointments, transportation, discharge planning, and connections to outpatient treatment, medications for addiction treatment, housing, benefits, peer supports, and other recovery resources.
• Review shift documentation for completeness and accuracy and complete required electronic and program records within established timelines.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and substance-free environment by coordinating household tasks, supplies, meals, safety checks, and reporting maintenance concerns.
• Participate in shift communication, team meetings, supervision, required training, quality-improvement activities, and other responsibilities assigned by program leadership.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Leadership

Verbal communication

Written communication

Documentation

Problem-solving

Trauma-informed care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a leading statewide provider of behavioral health services and a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has helped individuals, families, and communities thrive through compassionate, high-quality care and support. With deep roots in Western Massachusetts and a growing presence in communities throughout the state, we are currently seeking a Lead Residential Support Specialist to join our Clinical Stabilization Services (CSS) team and help advance our mission of empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What We Offer

• Purpose-Driven Work - Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Western Massachusetts.
• Professional Growth - Access ongoing training, mentorship, career development, and advancement opportunities across one of the region's largest behavioral health organizations.
• Supportive Team Culture - Join a collaborative workplace guided by our HEART values: Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
• Stability & Opportunity - Build your career with a well-established organization serving Western Massachusetts since 1938.
• Comprehensive Benefits - Generous PTO, 403(b), educational assistance, medical, dental, vision, employee assistance programs, and more.
• Certified Great Place to Work - Work for an organization recognized for creating a positive and engaging employee experience.

What You Will Do

• Provide direct, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented support in a safe, structured Clinical Stabilization Services residence for adults with substance-use and co-occurring behavioral health needs.
• Serve as an experienced shift resource for Residential Support Specialists by modeling expectations, coordinating shift priorities, and communicating concerns to program leadership without formal supervisory authority.
• Build respectful relationships and promote recovery, independence, informed choice, dignity, harm reduction, relapse prevention, healthy routines, group participation, self-advocacy, and preparation for the next level of care.
• Monitor physical health, behavioral health, recovery progress, and overall well-being; recognize changes or urgent concerns and collaborate promptly with nursing, clinical, medical, and program leadership.
• Support medication administration and treatment routines, review medication supplies and records, address discrepancies, and maintain accurate documentation in accordance with prescriber orders and program requirements.
• Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies, coordinate an appropriate response to emergencies, and follow all incident-reporting, health, safety, infection-control, and fire-safety procedures.
• Support admissions, appointments, transportation, discharge planning, and connections to outpatient treatment, medications for addiction treatment, housing, benefits, peer supports, and other recovery resources.
• Review shift documentation for completeness and accuracy and complete required electronic and program records within established timelines.
• Help maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and substance-free environment by coordinating household tasks, supplies, meals, safety checks, and reporting maintenance concerns.
• Participate in shift communication, team meetings, supervision, required training, quality-improvement activities, and other responsibilities assigned by program leadership.

Who You Are

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of direct-care experience required, preferably in substance-use treatment, behavioral health, recovery services, or a residential setting; ability to serve as a positive role model and experienced shift resource is essential.
• Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle available during working hours required.
• Commitment to recovery, harm reduction, individual empowerment, informed choice, human rights, dignity, safety, and successful community integration.
• Ability to provide compassionate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed support to adults with substance-use and co-occurring behavioral health needs.
• Knowledge of residential operations, medication routines, health and safety, crisis prevention, relapse prevention, recovery planning, and transitions between levels of care.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, leadership, verbal, and written communication skills, including sound judgment and the ability to remain calm and professional in urgent or emotionally challenging situations.
• Strong organization, documentation, observation, problem-solving, computer, electronic health record, and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to complete and maintain required training, including First Aid, CPR, medication administration when applicable, crisis prevention, human rights, infection control, fire safety, and Massachusetts DPH/BSAS requirements.
• Ability to work assigned shifts in a 24-hour residential program and meet the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

We Hire for HEART!

Since 1938, BHN has delivered high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care, building deep roots in Western Massachusetts while expanding our impact in communities throughout the state. Our core values - Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork - guide how we lead, serve, and support one another. If you’re ready to bring your skills and experience to a mission-driven organization where your work can make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay Range: $22.00-$25.27/hr