The Habilitation Coordinator I position at the Department of Mental Health offers an exciting opportunity to support and enhance the lives of adolescents through education, rehabilitation, recreational and therapeutic activities. In this seasonal role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and implement person-centered habilitative rehabilitation groups that foster educational and life skills development. This position offers the chance to work directly with patients, providing one-on-one and group support to ensure progress towards treatment goals while integrating individual educational plans. With a focus on both individual and group-based learning, you will actively engage in, implementing instructional strategies, and tracking progress. Your role is essential in helping patients achieve meaningful milestones through structured activities, workshops, and interactions that promote personal growth. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of rehabilitation, education, and therapeutic approaches, particularly when working with adolescents facing emotional or developmental challenges. This position requires flexibility, excellent communication skills, and a passion for making a positive impact on those in need of support. Please Note: This is a seasonal employment opportunity with a targeted start date at the end of June for a duration of up to 9 weeks. Hours are 8:00AM - 4:30PM with Saturday/Sunday off. Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive): Conduct individual and group sessions to guide patients in their educational and personal development, incorporating treatment goals, learning styles, and appropriate accommodations. Implement effective instructional strategies based on research and curriculum standards, aligned with host facility policies and procedures. Assess and track student coursework and progress toward educational objectives. Assist with designing and implementing recreational therapy groups and individual support. Provide structured on- and off-unit milieu activities that engage patients and foster skill development in a therapeutic setting. Lead group workshops to teach functional and social skills and promote patient learning and development. Communicate and collaborate with staff, health care professionals, and patients to share progress updates and treatment information. Participate in in-service trainings, seminars, and workshops related to rehabilitation and recovery practices. Preferred qualifications: Special Education teachers in particular are encouraged to apply. Experience working with adolescents in educational or therapeutic settings. Certification as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Strong knowledge of educational, habilitative, and rehabilitation techniques, particularly for individuals with developmental or emotional disorders. Ability to create and deliver effective instructional strategies tailored to diverse learning styles. Familiarity with mental health treatment plans and progress tracking systems. Experience conducting therapeutic group workshops and activities aimed at skill development. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document and report patient progress clearly and accurately. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including therapists, counselors, and healthcare professionals. About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH): Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations. WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients. Learn more about WRCH: Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) | Mass.gov DMH Mission Statement: The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research. Pre-Hire Process A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines, Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form. For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Employment & Staffing at 1 (800) 510-4122, Option 4. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Applicants must have (A) a High School diploma/GED and (B) at least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or para-professional experience working in rehabilitation counseling, vocational rehabilitation or the counseling, guidance or education of individuals with developmental disabilities, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Incumbents may be required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment. Based on assignment, incumbents may be required to obtain and maintain Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree or higher in Human Development/Human Services, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling or a closely related field may be substituted for the required (B) experience. II. A Bachelor's degree or higher in a major other than the degrees above may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (B) experience Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza. An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: Community and Social Services Organization: Department of Mental Health Title: *Seasonal - Habilitation Coordinator I Location: Massachusetts-Worcester - 309 Belmont Street Requisition ID: 260001SA
