Lead Residential Support Specialist- STAR Program

Behavioral Health Network•Worcester, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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 Lead Residential Support Specialist to join our STAR Program team and help advance our mission of empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
At least two years of direct-care experience required, preferably in behavioral health, human services, psychiatric rehabilitation, or residential support; ability to serve as a positive role model and experienced shift resource is essential.
Valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle available during working hours required.
Commitment to recovery, empowerment, informed choice, human rights, dignity, safety, and community integration, with the ability to provide culturally responsive and trauma-informed support to adults with serious mental health conditions and co-occurring needs.
Knowledge of residential and community-based services, person-centered recovery planning, positive behavior supports, medication routines, health and safety, crisis prevention, and community resources.
Strong interpersonal, teamwork, leadership, communication, and judgment skills, with the ability to remain calm and professional in urgent or emotionally challenging situations.
Strong organization, documentation, observation, problem-solving, electronic health record, and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
Ability to complete and maintain required training, including First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration Program requirements when applicable, crisis prevention, human rights, infection control, fire safety, and ACCS program requirements.
Ability to work assigned shifts in a 24-hour residential program, including awake-overnight shifts when scheduled, and meet the physical requirements of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Provide direct, trauma-informed and person-centered residential and community support to adults with serious mental health conditions in the Adult Community Clinical Services program.
Serve as an experienced shift resource for Residential Support Specialists by modeling expectations, coordinating shift priorities, and communicating concerns to program leadership without formal supervisory authority.
Build respectful relationships and implement individualized recovery plans that promote independence, informed choice, dignity, positive behavior supports, daily-living skills, housing stability, self-advocacy, and community participation.
Monitor physical health, behavioral health, safety, and overall well-being; recognize changes or urgent concerns and collaborate promptly with clinical, nursing, medical, and program leadership.
Support medication administration, review supplies and records, address discrepancies, and document in accordance with prescriber orders and program requirements.
Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies, coordinate appropriate emergency responses, and follow all incident-reporting, human-rights, health, infection-control, and fire-safety procedures.
Support appointments, transportation, community activities, benefits, healthcare, natural supports, and other resources that advance recovery, community integration, and continuity of care.
Review shift documentation for completeness and accuracy and complete all required electronic and program records within established timelines.
Help maintain clean, safe, and welcoming residential environments by coordinating household tasks, meals, supplies, safety checks, and timely reporting of maintenance concerns.