Lead Support Specialist

Mental Health Association - Western MA; Springfield (MA); Hybrid; 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

Mentally Health Association - Western MA is seeking a Lead Support Specialist to provide person-centered support in community residential settings. You will assist individuals with daily living, health needs, and skill development while promoting dignity and independence.

The role requires MAP/CPR/First Aid certifications, strong communication, and collaboration with families and community supports to develop Individual Service Plans. Evening and weekend shifts are included.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; college degree preferred in human services or related field.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to use transportation for work.
• CPR/First Aid and MAP certifications required or able to obtain.
• Strong communication, organizational and computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide respectful, person-centered support in daily living activities and skill development.
• Promote community integration through access to transportation and social activities.
• Support health needs, medications, appointment scheduling, and wellbeing monitoring.
• Assist with finances and maintain documentation of expenditures.
• Respond to emergencies per agency protocols and communicate with supervisors.
• Advocate for participants and liaise with families, providers, and supports.
• Contribute to ISPs and document progress and participation.
• Maintain daily logs, incident reports, and health records.
• Follow safety procedures and participate in drills and trainings.

Skills

Driver's license

MAP Medication Administration

CPR

First Aid

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

College degree in human services or related field preferred

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.

Pay Range: $20 - $22 an hour

Open Shift: 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.

• 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.

• 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