Residential Support Specialist- Respite

Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a leading statewide provider of behavioral health services and a Certified Great Place to Work. Since 1938, BHN has helped individuals, families, and communities thrive through compassionate, high-quality care and support. With deep roots in Western Massachusetts and a growing presence in communities throughout the state, we are currently seeking a Residential Support Specialist to join our Respite Services team and help advance our mission of empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What We Offer:

• Purpose-Driven Work – Make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout Western Massachusetts.
• Professional Growth – Access ongoing training, mentorship, career development, and advancement opportunities across one of the region's largest behavioral health organizations.
• Supportive Team Culture – Join a collaborative workplace guided by our HEART values: Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.
• Stability & Opportunity – Build your career with a well-established organization serving Western Massachusetts since 1938.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Generous PTO, 403(b), educational assistance, medical, dental, vision, employee assistance programs, and more.
• Certified Great Place to Work – Work for an organization recognized for creating a positive and engaging employee experience.

What You Will Do:

• Provide direct, trauma-informed residential support in a safe and welcoming respite environment for adults experiencing behavioral health challenges or transitioning from a higher level of care.
• Build respectful, supportive relationships and help individuals identify strengths, immediate needs, recovery goals, and practical steps toward stabilization and successful community living.
• Assist with activities of daily living, personal care, healthy routines, meals, household responsibilities, and other individualized needs while promoting independence, choice, dignity, and self-direction.
• Monitor mental health, physical health, safety, and overall well-being; communicate changes or concerns promptly and collaborate with clinical and nursing staff on appropriate interventions.
• Support medication routines, administration, and related documentation in accordance with Medication Administration Program requirements, prescriber orders, and program procedures.
• Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies, respond appropriately to urgent situations, and follow established safety, emergency, and reporting procedures.
• Implement individualized recovery, safety, and service-plan strategies and provide coaching that strengthens coping skills, wellness, self-advocacy, and community-living abilities.
• Help individuals connect with outpatient care, healthcare, benefits, housing, transportation, natural supports, and other community resources that support continued recovery after respite services.
• Support appointments, community activities, transportation, and transition or discharge planning to promote continuity of care and a successful return to the community.
• Complete shift summaries, progress notes, incident reports, medication records, health documentation, and other program-specific records accurately and within required timelines.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and supportive residential environment and participate in shift communication, team meetings, supervision, required training, and quality-improvement activities.

Who You Are:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least six months of experience in behavioral health, human services, residential support, crisis services, or a related setting preferred; BHN provides role-specific training.
• Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle available during working hours required.
• Commitment to recovery, individual empowerment, choice, human rights, dignity, safety, and successful community integration.
• Ability to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to adults experiencing behavioral health symptoms, crisis-related needs, or transitions between levels of care.
• Ability to support daily-living activities, health and medication routines, recovery goals, crisis prevention, and safe transitions back to the community.
• Strong interpersonal, teamwork, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional in urgent or emotionally challenging situations.
• Cultural responsiveness and the willingness and ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Good organization, time-management, documentation, observation, problem-solving, and follow-through skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and interruptions.
• Familiarity with computers, electronic records, internet, word-processing, email, and agency communication systems.
• Ability to complete required training and follow Medication Administration Program, health, safety, confidentiality, and program procedures.
• Ability to work assigned shifts in a 24-hour residential program and meet the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

We Hire for HEART!

Since 1938, BHN has delivered high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health care, building deep roots in Western Massachusetts while expanding our impact in communities throughout the state. Our core values—Humanity, Empowerment, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork—guide how we lead, serve, and support one another. If you’re ready to bring your skills and experience to a mission-driven organization where your work can make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Pay Range: $21.--$24.00/hr