Lead Residential Support Specialist- STAR Program

Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Purpose-Driven Work

Professional Growth

Supportive Team Culture

Stability & Opportunity

Comprehensive Benefits

Certified Great Place to Work

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network, Inc. is seeking a Lead Residential Support Specialist for the STAR Program in Worcester, MA. The role focuses on direct care, trauma-informed residential support, and coordination of shift resources within a 24/7 program.

The position requires at least two years of direct-care experience, a valid driver’s license, and a commitment to recovery and community integration. On-site work with comprehensive benefits is provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years direct-care experience.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle during working hours.
• Commitment to recovery and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed residential and community support to adults with serious mental health conditions.
• Model expectations and coordinate shift priorities as a senior resource.
• Support recovery, housing stability, and community integration.
• Document accurately in electronic health records within established timelines.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Direct care experience

Shift coordination

Crisis prevention

Electronic health records

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Lead Residential Support Specialist- STAR Program

Job Category: Direct Care

Requisition Number: LEADR003827

• Posted : August 11, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Worcester, MA 01610, USA

• Pay or shift range: $22 USD to $25.27 USD The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

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 STAR Program 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 person-centered residential and community support to adults with serious mental health conditions in the Adult Community Clinical Services program.
• 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 implement individualized recovery plans that promote independence, informed choice, dignity, positive behavior supports, daily-living skills, housing stability, self-advocacy, and community participation.
• Monitor physical health, behavioral health, safety, and overall well-being; recognize changes or urgent concerns and collaborate promptly with clinical, nursing, medical, and program leadership.
• Support medication administration, review supplies and records, address discrepancies, and document in accordance with prescriber orders and program requirements.
• Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies, coordinate appropriate emergency responses, and follow all incident-reporting, human-rights, health, infection-control and fire-safety procedures.
• Support appointments, transportation, community activities, benefits, healthcare, natural supports, and other resources that advance recovery, community integration, and continuity of care.
• Review shift documentation for completeness and accuracy and complete all required electronic and program records within established timelines.
• Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming residential environments by coordinating household tasks, meals, supplies, safety checks, and timely reporting of maintenance concerns.

Who You Are:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least two years of direct-care experience required, preferably in behavioral health, human services, psychiatric rehabilitation, or residential support; 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, empowerment, informed choice, human rights, dignity, safety, and community integration, with the ability to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed support to adults with serious mental health conditions and co-occurring needs.
• Knowledge of residential and community-based services, person-centered recovery planning, positive behavior supports, medication routines, health and safety, crisis prevention, and community resources.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, leadership, communication, and judgment skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional in urgent or emotionally challenging situations.
• Strong organization, documentation, observation, problem-solving, electronic health record, and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to complete and maintain required training, including First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration Program requirements when applicable, crisis prevention, human rights, infection control, fire safety and ACCS program requirements.
• Ability to work assigned shifts in a 24-hour residential program, including awake-overnight shifts when scheduled, 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

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.