Mental Health Association, Inc.
1st Shift Direct Care (LGBTQIA+)
Holyoke, Massachusetts•Full-time
$20+ hourly
$20+ hourly
About the Job
The Residential Recovery Specialist (RRS) supports residents in a safe, structured, LGBTQIA+-affirming and trauma-informed environment. This role helps residents follow their individualized treatment plans, engage in recovery and relapse‑prevention efforts, and build independent living skills. The RRS plays a vital role in fostering a respectful, inclusive, and recovery-focused community that affirms residents’ identities, lived experiences, and self-determination.
Pay Rate: $20 an hour
Open Shift: Tuesday 7am-4pm, Wednesday & Thursday 7:30am-3pm, Friday 7:30am-3:30pm, Saturday 8am-4pm(40hrs)
Key Responsibilities:
- Support resident activities in alignment with program policies, individualized treatment goals, and a structured daily routine.
- Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and LGBTQIA+-affirming care, including crisis intervention and de-escalation.
- Maintain a living environment that is safe, respectful, and inclusive of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
- Assist residents with daily living tasks, independent living skills, and participation in recovery-focused and community-based activities.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate groups and activities that promote recovery, emotional wellness, identity affirmation, and peer support.
- Model respectful communication, including the consistent use of residents’ chosen names and pronouns.
- Transport residents as needed and maintain safe, organized, welcoming program spaces.
- Document resident progress, administer medications per MAP certification, and promote a person-centered, recovery-oriented, and strengths-based approach.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support residents in achieving stability, empowerment, and long-term recovery.
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.
Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license, safe and reliable vehicle, and acceptable driving record.
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred; must be at least 18 years old.
- Experience working with LGBTQIA+ individuals or in affirming environments strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting individuals impacted by homelessness, trauma, psychiatric diagnoses, and/or substance use.
- Demonstrated comfort and competency working with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
- Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks.
- Strong oral, written, organizational, and basic computer skills.
- Ability to foster community, model respectful boundaries, and create a sense of belonging in a residential setting.
- Willingness to engage in ongoing learning related to equity, inclusion, trauma-informed care, and identity-affirming practices.
- Ability to pass and maintain MAP, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
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
- $20 an hour
About Mental Health Association, Inc.
What We Do
MHA (Mental Health Association) helps people live their best life. We provide access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming, and more. With respect, integrity and compassion, MHA provides each individual served through person-driven programming to foster independence, community engagement, wellness and recovery.
Why It Matters
The youth, adults, seniors and families we serve want the same things in life as anyone: to have friends, work, go to school, have meaningful relationships, express themselves (and be heard), and be accepted in their community for who they are. With our help and resources from a caring community, people can live their potential, in their community, every day.
How We Think
Starting in the 1960s, MHA’s groundbreaking efforts and advocacy helped to transition people away from institutional living to a life in our community. This became a model for the deinstitutionalization movement. Today, our leadership continues to advance awareness of mental health conditions and needs at local, regional and national levels. We drive compassionate care for those challenged by mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use, homelessness, acquired brain injury and more.
MHA (Mental Health Association) helps people live their best life. We provide access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming, and more. With respect, integrity and compassion, MHA provides each individual served through person-driven programming to foster independence, community engagement, wellness and recovery.
Why It Matters
The youth, adults, seniors and families we serve want the same things in life as anyone: to have friends, work, go to school, have meaningful relationships, express themselves (and be heard), and be accepted in their community for who they are. With our help and resources from a caring community, people can live their potential, in their community, every day.
How We Think
Starting in the 1960s, MHA’s groundbreaking efforts and advocacy helped to transition people away from institutional living to a life in our community. This became a model for the deinstitutionalization movement. Today, our leadership continues to advance awareness of mental health conditions and needs at local, regional and national levels. We drive compassionate care for those challenged by mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use, homelessness, acquired brain injury and more.