Residential Counselor I | Developmental Disability Services

Residential Counselor I | Developmental Disability Services

Job Category: Operations-Dept of Developmental Disabilities Requisition Number: RESID003109

Posted: October 6, 2025

Full-Time

On-site

Springfield, MA 01128, USA

Description

Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• 8 discretionary days
• Mileage Reimbursement

Salary:

• Hourly | 20.00

Additional Benefits:

• Career Growth Opportunities
• Culturally Diverse population
• Clinical Licensing Support

Job Title: Residential Counselor

Work Location: Greater Springfield Area

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

Job Summary:

We're looking for Full-Time, Part-time and Relief Staff Residential Counselor 1 to work with our DDS Program [Developmental Disability Services] team model, establishing open communication, support, and accountability among workers and consumers. They are accountable to the DDS Program Manager, who is responsible for providing supervision and training. The Residential Counselor 1 is one who actively promotes the philosophy of the DDS Program, and maintains a high level of commitment to the program. This individual will respect the dignity of each individual through vigorous promotion of the human and civil rights which, in part, strives to keep people free from abuse or neglect and recognize that ethnic and cultural diversity of each individual must be valued and respected.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• To attend scheduled clinical and staff meetings and actively participate to determine treatment plans, re-evaluate case needs and goals, and develop skills.
• To maintain client records in accordance with standard format and timetables.
• To attend scheduled supervisory meetings with Program Manager.
• To maintain progress notes on each consumer for the shift which staff worked.
• To represent the dignity of each individual through vigorous promotion of the human and civil rights, which, in part, strives to keep people free from abuse and/or neglect.
• To assist members daily in the enhancement of their ADL (activities of daily living) skills through practical experience and training both individually and in groups.
• To promote the rights of people with developmental/intellectual disabilities to exercise choice and to make meaningful decisions in their lives.
• To provide appropriate, safe responses to emergency situations when necessary.
• To provide case management, outreach and advocacy to members, and be accountable for the quality and quantity of casework.
• To develop strong, supportive relationships with the individuals.
• To provide for individual care and safety, and observe all safety measures.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates degree or bachelor's degree in human service field preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with psychiatric clients preferred.
• Must have valid driver's license and safe driving history.
• Prefer bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Must have availability of an automobile to transport individuals or perform other supportive services as necessary.

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.