Direct Care Worker (Relief/Per Diem)
Required skills
- Direct Care Worker
- relief
- per diem
- community residential setting
- homelessness
- psychiatric diagnosis
- trauma
- addiction
- recovery
- rehabilitation
Nice to have
- human services experience
Role summary
Direct Care Workers provide support in a community residential setting for individuals impacted by homelessness, psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, and/or addiction. The role focuses on empowering participants in their recovery and rehabilitation through person-centered planning, emphasizing strength and resiliency. Responsibilities include assisting with daily routines, teaching life skills, providing transportation, encouraging self-advocacy, facilitating group activities, responding to concerns, and maintaining documentation. The GRIT program offers residential rehabilitation for individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions, combining home comforts with vital resources.
Position Summary
Direct Care Workers will provide a supportive environment in a community residential setting, empowering the participants who have been impacted by homelessness, psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, and/or addiction in achieving their vision of recovery and rehabilitation, focusing on strength and resiliency through person-centered planning. They will perform responsibilities professionally, in accordance with MHA’s Core Values (Respect, Integrity, and Compassion), organizational mission, policies, practices, program funding and applicable regulatory agency guidelines.
Pay Rate: $18-$19 an hour
Open Shift: Relief/Per diem (At least 2 shifts per month)
Key Responsibilities
- Support participants with daily routines (cooking, cleaning, hygiene, etc.)
- Teach life skills and promote independence
- Provide transportation to appointments or activities
- Encourage self-advocacy and connect participants to community resources
- Facilitate group activities and house meetings
- Respond to health or behavioral concerns using supportive strategies
- Maintain accurate documentation and uphold safety protocols
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
- High school diploma or GED
- Human services experience is preferred
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable transportation to utilize during work hours
- Auto insurance with your name listed as an insured driver on the policy
- Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset
- Patience, compassion, and the ability to adapt to participant needs
- Ability to pass background checks and required certifications (MAP, CPR, First Aid)
