Lead Support Specialist

MHA (Mental Health Association); Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Family Leave

Long Term Disability

Job summary

MHA (Mental Health Association) in Springfield, MA seeks a Lead Support Specialist to create a safe, supportive environment in Integrated Community Living settings. You will foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.

The role pays $20–22 per hour and requires driving, teamwork, and certification maintenance (MAP, CPR, First Aid). Hours include evenings and one weekend day, with ongoing training and supervision.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and driving record required.
• Valid auto insurance and access to transportation during work hours.
• Strong communication, organizational and computer skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain MAP, CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• HS diploma or GED required; college degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to participants in daily living activities and skill development.
• Promote community integration by accessing transportation, social activities and resources.
• Support health needs including medication administration, appointment scheduling, and monitoring wellbeing.
• Assist with financial skills and money management; document expenditures.
• Respond to emergencies per agency protocols and communicate with supervisors.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Documentation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree in human services or related field preferred

MAP certification

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Position Summary

As a Lead Support Specialist, you will provide a supportive and safe environment in community residential settings within MHA's ICL (Integrated Community Living) department. You will help foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.

$20 - $22 an hour

Monday through Thursday 3pm-11pm, Saturday 8am-4pm (40hrs)

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to participants in daily living activities, personal care, and skill development
• Promote community integration by facilitating access to transportation, social activities, and external resources
• Support participants' health needs, including medication administration (per MAP standards), appointment scheduling, and monitoring overall wellbeing
• Assist with financial skills and money management, maintaining accurate documentation of all expenditures
• Respond to emergencies and crisis situations appropriately, following agency protocols and communicating with supervisors
• Advocate for participants and help them build self-advocacy skills; serve as a liaison with families, providers, and community supports
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), documenting progress and participation
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, and health records
• Promote a safe environment by following all safety procedures, assisting with emergency drills, and identifying potential hazards
• Collaborate effectively with team members, attend training, maintain certifications (MAP, CPR, First Aid), and actively participate in meetings and supervision

Position Summary

As a Lead Support Specialist, you will provide a supportive and safe environment in community residential settings within MHA's ICL (Integrated Community Living) department. You will help foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism.

$20 - $22 an hour

Monday through Thursday 3pm-11pm, Saturday 8am-4pm (40hrs)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support to participants in daily living activities, personal care, and skill development
• Promote community integration by facilitating access to transportation, social activities, and external resources
• Support participants' health needs, including medication administration (per MAP standards), appointment scheduling, and monitoring overall wellbeing
• Assist with financial skills and money management, maintaining accurate documentation of all expenditures
• Respond to emergencies and crisis situations appropriately, following agency protocols and communicating with supervisors
• Advocate for participants and help them build self-advocacy skills; serve as a liaison with families, providers, and community supports
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), documenting progress and participation
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, and health records
• Promote a safe environment by following all safety procedures, assisting with emergency drills, and identifying potential hazards
• Collaborate effectively with team members, attend training, maintain certifications (MAP, CPR, First Aid), and actively participate in meetings and supervision

About Integration & Community Living (ICL)

The Integration & Community Living (ICL) program supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism in living independently and meaningfully within their communities. In partnership with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), ICL provides person-centered residential and outreach services throughout Western Massachusetts. With over 60 years of experience, MHA supports individuals in transitioning from institutional settings into homes where they can build skills, make choices, and actively participate in community life. Services include supported and shared living, emergency respite, and privately funded care, all designed to promote independence, dignity, and meaningful community connections.

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 and an acceptable driving record
• Valid auto insurance and transportation to utilize during work hours.
• Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills
• Adaptability to participants' changing needs
• Ability to pass and maintain certifications in medication administration (MAP), CPR, and First Aid
• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED required; college degree in human services or a related field preferred
• Minimum of six months of relevant experience; experience working with individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or autism is 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