Residential Counselor II | NEXT | DYS

Gandara Mental Health Center, Inc.; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet Insurance

Life Insurance

Paid vacations

Paid holidays

8 discretionary days

Mileage Reimbursement

Hourly rate $22.58

Culturally Diverse population

Clinical Licensing Support

Job summary

Gándara Mental Health Center in Springfield, MA is seeking a Residential Counselor I to join the NEXT Youth Program. The role involves maintaining a therapeutic residence, addressing safety, medical, emotional, and daily living needs, and implementing structured limits.

You will participate in treatment planning, attend meetings, document progress notes, and advocate for clients. Applicants should have a high school diploma, at least one year of experience, and a valid driver's license;

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree or bachelor’s degree in human service field preferred.
• At least one year of experience.
• 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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Valid driver's license

Safe driving history

Ability to transport individuals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates or bachelor’s degree in human services preferred

Job description

Job Category: Operations-Adolescent & Family Services

Supervisor: Richard Morin

Requisition Number: RESID003358

• Posted : October 2, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

NEXT
Springfield, MA 01104, 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 Rate | $22.58

Additional Benefits:

• Culturally Diverse population
• Clinical Licensing Support

Job Title: Residential Counselor I | NEXT DYS

Work Location: Springfield, MA

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

Job Summary:

We're looking to hire Residential Counselors to join our NEXT Youth Program. Residential Counselors maintain a therapeutic environment within the residence, which includes meeting the needs of the client in the following areas: safety, medical, emotional, food, clothing, and shelter. They participate in the development of reasonable limits and structures for each child and implement these limits on a daily basis within the residence and community in a fair and consistent manner.

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.
• 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 Centerprovides 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.