Licensed Practical Nurse – DRS

MHA Inc.; Chicopee (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 53,000; 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

Long Term Disability

$33+ an hour

Job summary

MHA - Mental Health Association is seeking an LPN to support the GRIT residential program and DCF young adult services in Western Massachusetts. You will oversee medications, provide hands-on nursing care, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to promote recovery and health in a community setting.

The position emphasizes medication safety, disease management, and person-centered support, with a pathway to stable housing and coordinated aftercare plans for residents.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of psychotropic medications and common medical conditions.
• Ability to coordinate care and advocate effectively within the healthcare system.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, and follow through.
• Adaptability to changing needs of participants in residential programs.
• Must be at least 18 years old.

Responsibilities

• Assess the physical health needs of participants and inform care plans.
• Monitor medications, blood levels, and potential side effects and educate participants.
• Complete physical health assessments and address health concerns promptly.
• Coordinate medical appointments and referrals with physicians and providers.
• Advocate for timely, high-quality healthcare and follow-up.

Skills

Psychotropic medications

Care coordination

Independent work

Time management

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

LPN license (Massachusetts)

Job description

About MHA

MHA - Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live their best life. We provide a wide range of services across Western Massachusetts, including outpatient therapy, substance use recovery, supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries, and residential and housing programs. MHA serves individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and homelessness. Our mission is rooted in inclusion, dignity, and empowering people to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

About the GRIT Program

The GRIT program by the Mental Health Association (MHA) offers residential rehabilitation for individuals with substance use challenges and co-occurring mental health conditions. GRIT provides a structured, supportive environment focused on recovery, personal growth, and long-term stability.

Residents engage in individualized counseling, recovery-focused programming, and community activities like education, job training, or employment. With locations in Springfield (men's programs) and Holyoke (LGBTQIA+ program), GRIT combines the comforts of home with access to vital resources. A skilled, multidisciplinary team works closely with each resident to build a strong foundation for recovery and create personalized aftercare plans for a successful return to the community.

Position Summary

The LPN position provides support for the Medical Respite residential program and the DCF young adult supported living programs. The LPN works in collaboration with the multi-disciplinary team and program participants and acts as a liaison for support and communication. This is a unique nursing role that blends clinical care with meaningful, person-centered support in community residential settings. This position ensures the safe, effective, and compassionate oversight of medications, while promoting recovery-oriented care and support for the psychiatric and medical needs of participants in the program. This position includes direct work with individuals rebuilding their lives and establishing housing after addressing health challenges and includes hands-on nursing care, medication support and care coordination.

Pay Rate: $33+ an hour

Open Shift: 35hrs (10hrs for the DCF program & 25hrs for Medical Respite program)

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the physical health needs of program participants and provide input for comprehensive assessments and individualized care or action plans (IAPs).


• Monitor medications, blood levels, and side effects while educating participants about medication purpose, function, and potential reactions.


• Ensure that physical health assessments are completed to maintain accurate health baselines and address specific physical complaints promptly.


• Coordinate medical appointments, referrals, and communication among physicians, prescribers, VNAs, and other healthcare providers.


• Advocate for participants to receive timely, high-quality healthcare- including follow-up care and second opinions when needed.


• Support a culture of wellness through engagement, informal health coaching, and one-on-one or group teaching sessions.


• Partner with staff to maintain medication training and compliance, and provide additional support or oversight for medication or healthcare related procedures.


• Monitor and manage incoming paperwork, health documentation, and electronic records related to participant care and external appointments.


• Contribute to treatment planning, discharge planning, and overall program wellness initiatives while encouraging participant growth and development.


• Provide nursing support (max 10 hrs per week) for the DCF young adult supported living programs, supporting tasks such as medication reconciliation on admission and discharge, collaboration with providers, and consultation as needed. The remaining 25 hrs will be dedicated to the High St (Medical Respite) program.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of psychotropic medications, common medical conditions and wellness principles.


• Ability to coordinate care and advocate effectively within the healthcare system.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, take initiative, follow through, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.


• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.


• Must be at least 18 years old.


• LPN license in Massachusetts is required.


• At least one year of applicable experience in a relevant environment is preferred.


• Experience with individuals with substance use and/or mental health challenges preferred. Willingness to learn is required.

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


• $33+ an hour

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.