Outreach Counselor- STAR Program

Behavioral Health Network, Inc (BHN); Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

403(b)

Educational assistance

Medical insurance

Dental

Job summary

Behavioral Health Network, Inc (BHN) in Western Massachusetts is seeking an Outreach Counselor to join the STAR Program team. You will provide in-person, telephonic, and virtual outreach to adults living with serious mental health conditions to engage them in ACCS and support recovery.

You will build therapeutic relationships, develop recovery plans with the ACCS team, help with daily living skills, coordinate with hospitals and community resources, and maintain timely documentation while

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor’s degree or CHW certification preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in behavioral health, substance-use services, or related human-services field required.
• Knowledge of serious mental health conditions, co-occurring needs, recovery principles, and community-based rehabilitation.
• Ability to access healthcare, housing, benefits, and other essential services for individuals.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-person, telephonic, and virtual outreach to adults with serious mental health conditions and other complex needs.
• Build trusting, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented relationships and support goals.
• Develop and carry out recovery plans with the ACCS team to promote stability.
• Help individuals strengthen daily-living and community-integration skills.
• Maintain consistent contact and coordinate with hospitals, crisis services, and community providers.
• Connect individuals with community resources and supports; ensure appropriate consent.
• Maintain documentation and meet productivity and service expectations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organization

Time management

Problem solving

Technology skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree or CHW certification preferred

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 an Outreach Counselor 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 in-person, telephonic, and virtual outreach to adults living with serious mental health conditions and other complex needs, helping them engage in ACCS and overcome barriers to care.
• Build trusting, therapeutic relationships and use person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approaches to support each individual's goals, strengths, choice, and independence.
• Partner with individuals and the multidisciplinary ACCS team to develop and carry out recovery plans, safety strategies, and interventions that promote stability and successful community living.
• Help individuals strengthen daily-living and community-integration skills related to housing, health and wellness, medication routines, transportation, budgeting, education, employment, relationships, and use of natural supports.
• Maintain consistent contact with assigned individuals, including those who are difficult to engage, and serve as a reliable point of contact for coordination and follow-through.
• Connect individuals with community resources such as healthcare, behavioral health and substance-use treatment, benefits, food assistance, housing supports, financial and utility assistance, vocational services, and legal resources.
• Coordinate with hospitals, crisis services, outpatient providers, primary-care teams, community agencies, families, and natural supports—with appropriate consent—to strengthen continuity of care.
• Maintain contact with individuals during inpatient or other 24-hour treatment stays and support discharge planning, re-engagement with services, and successful transition back to the community.
• Recognize changes in mental health, physical health, substance use, safety, or functioning; communicate concerns promptly and collaborate with the ACCS team on appropriate interventions.
• Complete required assessments, service plans, progress notes, safety documentation, and other records accurately and on time while meeting program productivity and service expectations.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and other program activities while maintaining collaborative relationships with individuals, providers, and community partners.

Who You Are

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree or Community Health Worker certification preferred.
• One to two years of experience in behavioral health, substance-use services, community-based rehabilitation, care management, or a related human-services field required.
• Knowledge of serious mental health conditions, co-occurring substance-use needs, recovery principles, community-based rehabilitation, and person-centered support.
• Working knowledge of community resources and the ability to help individuals access healthcare, benefits, housing, food assistance, education, employment, financial supports, and other essential services.
• Experience engaging individuals with complex needs and supporting recovery goals, independent living, and successful community tenure preferred.
• Lived experience with recovery or behavioral health services is welcomed and valued; bilingual Spanish and English skills are preferred.
• Cultural responsiveness and the ability to build trust and work effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal, customer-service, verbal and written communication, organization, time-management, problem-solving, and technology skills.
• Valid driver's license and a reliable, registered, and inspected vehicle available during working hours required for community-based outreach.

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-$26.00/hr