Mental Health Association, Inc.
Lead Support Specialist
Longmeadow, Massachusetts•Full-time
$21+ hourly
$21+ hourly
About the Job
As a Lead Support Specialist, you will provide a supportive and safe environment in community residential settings within MHA’s ICL (Integrated Community Living) department. You will help foster growth, independence, and community engagement for individuals who have experienced a brain injury resulting in physical limitations, mental health, and/or cognitive challenges.
Pay Rate: $21 an hour
Open Shift: Tuesday through Friday 1pm-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm (40h)
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide respectful, person-centered support to participants in daily living activities, personal care, and skill development.
- Promote community integration by facilitating access to transportation, social activities, and external resources.
- Support participants' health needs, including medication administration (per MAP standards), appointment scheduling, and monitoring overall wellbeing.
- Assist with financial skills and money management, maintaining accurate documentation of all expenditures.
- Respond to emergencies and crisis situations appropriately, following agency protocols and communicating with supervisors.
- Advocate for participants and help them build self-advocacy skills; serve as a liaison with families, providers, and community supports.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans (ISPs), documenting progress and participation.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, and health records.
- Promote a safe environment by following all safety procedures, assisting with emergency drills, and identifying potential hazards.
- Collaborate effectively with team members, attend training, maintain certifications (MAP, CPR, First Aid), and actively participate in meetings and supervision.
About Integration & Community Living (ICL)
MHA’s Integration & Community Living (ICL) program supports individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries in living independently and meaningfully in the community. In partnership with the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), ICL provides person-centered residential and outreach services throughout Western Massachusetts.
With over 60 years of experience, MHA has been a leader in helping individuals transition from institutional settings into homes where they can grow, make choices, and fully participate in community life. Services range from supported and shared living to emergency respite and privately funded care, all tailored to promote independence, dignity, and connection.
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, sufficient automobile insurance, an acceptable driving record, and access to a reliable vehicle during working hours.
- Strong communication, organizational, and computer skills.
- Adaptability to participants' changing needs.
- Ability to pass and maintain certifications in medication administration (MAP), CPR, and First Aid.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- High school diploma or GED required; college degree in human services or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of six months of relevant experience; experience with individuals with brain injuries, mental health challenges, or developmental disabilities is preferred.
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.
- $21 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.