Outreach Worker

Mental Health Association - Western MA; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental &amp

Retirement Plan (403B, IRA)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & PH

Job summary

Mental Health Association - Western MA is seeking an Outreach Worker for the SHIFT Avon Permanent Housing program in Springfield. The role provides supportive case management to 12-15 adults navigating recovery and housing stability, using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach and community resource connections.

Responsibilities include assessments, goal attainment, crisis support, and collaboration with the program team.

Qualifications

• Experience or training in trauma-informed care principles.
• Ability to adopt a strengths-based, recovery-centered approach.
• Capacity to engage individuals and build community resources.

Responsibilities

• Complete thorough assessments of needs, skills, strengths and resources and develop IAPs.
• Provide supportive interventions from a trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective.
• Support individuals in work towards meeting their established goals and document progress.
• Monitor and document behavior, progress, and incidents.
• Support tenancy preservation and maintenance of safe, secure housing.
• Assist with life skills development and resource connections.
• Build relationships with community resources and aid in outreach.
• Provide crisis support and de-escalation as needed.
• Attend program meetings and communicate with the team.

Skills

Trauma-informed

Strengths-based

Relationship-building

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Position Summary

The Outreach Worker position with the SHIFT Avon Permanent Housing program provides supportive case management services to 12-15 adults living in the community, who are managing a process of recovery and skills to maintain permanent housing placement. This position requires engagement and relationship-building with individuals with varied needs for support, along with knowledge of or development of relationships with community resources and supports. The person in this role supports individuals with a recovery and trauma-informed focus, utilizes a strengths-based approach and is aligned with MHA’s Core Values- Respect, Integrity & Compassion. The Outreach Worker assists and supports individuals in the development of and attainment of goals that feel most important to them and supports the Program Supervisor with tasks and program support as needed and assigned for both the outreach and residential participants.

Pay Rate: $19 - $21 an hour

Open Shift: Monday through Friday 8am-4pm (40hrs)

Key Responsibilities

• Complete thorough assessments of needs, skills, strengths and resources and develop IAP’s that support everyone’s personal goals.

• Provide supportive interventions from a trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective.
• Support individuals in work towards meeting their established goals, as requested.
• Monitor and document behavior, progress, and incidents.
• Provide support and skill-building focused on tenancy preservation and maintenance of safe and secure housing.
• Provide support with life skills tasks and skill-development.
• Assist in securing supportive services as needed for substance use, mental health, physical health needs, income, in-home support, etc.
• Build relationships with community resources and support services to aid in the support of individuals in the program.
• Assist individuals with making connections in their community and identifying helpful and supportive resources.
• Provide crisis support and de-escalation as needed.
• Provide additional support when needed for residents in the transitional, residential environment.
• Communicate consistently with team members and supervisors.
• Attend program meetings as scheduled.

About the GRIT Program

The GRIT program at MHA provides residential rehabilitation for individuals with substance use challenges and co-occurring mental health conditions. Residents participate in individualized counseling, recovery-focused programming, and community activities such as education, job training, or employment, all within a structured and supportive environment. 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 support recovery, personal growth, and long-term stability, while creating personalized aftercare plans for a successful return to the community.

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.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, acceptable driving record, and sufficient insurance.
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with individuals impacted by homelessness, trauma, psychiatric diagnoses, and/or substance use is preferred
• Ability to work independently, manage time, and prioritize tasks.
• Effective oral, written, organizational, and computer skills.
• Compassion, patience, strong interpersonal skills and understanding of trauma-informed care.
• Must be able to pass and maintain certifications in CPR and First Aid.

• 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