What Is This Program?
This is a PAID opportunity for students interested in the healthcare/mental health/human service field who want to gain hands-on experience. Students will be hired as “temporary employees” if desired, but we offer entry level, no experience required part-time and per diem opportunities. We offer major flexibility to accommodate students’ school schedules. Students will also have the opportunity to receive credit for their school programs, provided upon approval from their schools.
Who We Are
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.
Part-Time Jobs Available
We are hiring both entry-level Residential Support Specialist and Residential Recovery Specialists.
The Residential Support Specialist works with our developmentally disabled and acquired brain injury population. This role is similar to a PCA/CNA position, except at MHA, we provide person-centered care. You will work in a home setting caring for 5 people. This allows you to be able to provide the care needed to the participants and build a relationship with them. Every day will be different as you are able to go out in the community with the participants and assist them with living their best lives.
The Residential Recovery Specialist works with individuals that have co-occurring substance abuse and mental health. The populations at these locations vary from young adult men, LGBTQ+ individuals, and older adult men. This role oversees resident activities to ensure conformance with program policies and participates in ensuring that the day to day operations of the program milieu support the culture of recovery and is both trauma and gender informed. Responsible for implementing interventions identified in each resident’s treatment plan and supporting residents with the completion of activities of daily living including meal preparation, household maintenance, transportation, and active engagement in recovery and relapse-prevention planning.
Program Benefits
- PAID work experience and training
- Entry-level jobs: residential support specialists and recovery specialists
- Part-time and per-diem opportunities
- Very flexible work schedule to accommodate school schedule
- Sign-off on hours needed for school programs
- 1:1 professional supervision if needed
- Experience to build resume
What Majors Are Relevant To These Part-Time Jobs?
Students interested in the human service field, psychology, addiction studies, occupational therapy, public health, art therapy, mental health counseling, social work, sports medicine, sociology, nursing, criminal justice, teaching and undecided/general studies.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and a safe reliable vehicle during working hours preferred but not required.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, take initiative, follow through, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
- Good oral, written, computer, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
- Strong interpersonal skills, patience, caring, and compassion.
- Must be able to pass and maintain certifications in medication administration (MAP), CPR, and first aid.
- Must be at least eighteen years old.
Required Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED). College degree in human services or relevant field is preferred but not required.
- Certified Nursing Assistant, Personal Care Assistant, Direct care experience or related experience preferred but not required.
Job Site Locations
Springfield, Chicopee, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Ludlow, West Springfield, Holyoke, Westfield, Feeding Hills.