Residential Counselor I | Developmental Disability Services

Mental Health; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid vacations

Paid holidays

Mileage reimbursement

Discretionary days

Job summary

Gándara Mental Health Center in the Greater Springfield area seeks a Residential Counselor I to work with the DDS Developmental Disability Services team. The role supports individuals, promotes dignity and safety, and reports to the DDS Program Manager.

We offer full-time, part-time and relief positions with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid vacations/holidays, mileage reimbursement, and supportive services for scheduling and transportation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates or bachelor’s degree in human services preferred.
• At least one year of experience with psychiatric clients preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attend scheduled clinical and staff meetings and participate in treatment planning.
• Maintain client records in standard format and timetables.
• Attend supervisory meetings with Program Manager.
• Maintain progress notes on each consumer for the shift.
• Promote the rights and dignity of individuals and prevent abuse/neglect.
• Assist with ADL skills through individual and group training.
• Provide case management, outreach and advocacy as needed.

Skills

Team collaboration

Documentation

Emergency response

ADL support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates or Bachelor's in human services

Job description

Residential Counselor I | Developmental Disability Services

Job Category: Operations-Dept of Developmental Disabilities

Requisition Number: RESID003354

• Posted : September 17, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Springfield, MA 01128, USA

Description

Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• 8 discretionary days
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Hourly | 21.00

Additional Benefits:

• Culturally Diverse population
• Clinical Licensing Support

Job Title: Residential Counselor

Work Location: Greater Springfield Area

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

Job Summary:

We're looking for Full-Time, Part-time and Relief Staff Residential Counselor 1 to work with our DDS Program [Developmental Disability Services] team model, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among workers and consumers. They are accountable to the DDS Program Manager, who is responsible for providing supervision and training. The Residential Counselor 1 is one who actively promotes the philosophy of the DDS Program, and maintains a high level of commitment to the program. This individual will respect the dignity of each individual through vigorous promotion of the human and civil rights which, in part, strives to keep people free from abuse or neglect and recognize that ethnic and cultural diversity of each individual must be valued and respected.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To attend scheduled clinical and staff meetings and actively participate to determine treatment plans, re-evaluate case needs and goals, and develop skills.
• To maintain client records in accordance with standard format and timetables.
• To attend scheduled supervisory meetings with Program Manager.
• To maintain progress notes on each consumer for the shift which staff worked.
• To represent the dignity of each individual through vigorous promotion of the human and civil rights, which, in part, strives to keep people free from abuse and/or neglect.
• To assist members daily in the enhancement of their ADL (activities of daily living) skills through practical experience and training both individually and in groups.
• To promote the rights of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities to exercise choice and to make meaningful decisions in their lives.
• To provide appropriate, safe responses to emergency situations when necessary.
• To provide case management, outreach and advocacy to members, and be accountable for the quality and quantity of casework.
• To develop strong, supportive relationships with the individuals.
• To provide for individual care and safety, and observe all safety measures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree or bachelor’s degree in human service field preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with psychiatric clients preferred.
• Must have valid driver’s license and safe driving history.
• Must have availability of an automobile to transport individuals or perform other supportive services as necessary.

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.