Seasonal Mental Health Worker I

About the Team

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services. Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, WRCH provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, as well as specialized court-ordered evaluations. The facility serves 290 adults and 30 adolescents, including a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program.

The DMH mission is to assure and provide access to services and support 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, sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights, and supports mental health training and research.

About the Role

This is a dynamic seasonal position seeking a candidate to provide direct patient care services at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. You will participate in and instruct activities of daily living, including personal care, community integration, and recreation/leisure, to ensure that daily needs, rehabilitation needs, and human rights are met.

Mental Health Workers treat all patients with dignity and respect through interactions that affirm the individual's needs and preferences, optimally integrating their perspective into all facets of care. You will work as part of a treatment team to plan and implement rehabilitative, behavioral, and recreational care, contributing to specific Treatment and Recovery Plan interventions. The role requires establishing a rapport with persons served, discussing goals, and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment through observation and communication.

This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with a maximum duration of 90 days. The work schedule will vary, with shifts available for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rotations. Participants must be available for the entire summer, and no vacations will be granted. Mandatory overtime may be required.

Hiring Process

First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days. A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to hiring. Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with Human Resources Division guidelines.

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application or interview process, please contact EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests. For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Option 4.

Vaccination Requirement: Title 101 CMR 23.00 requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to their vaccination status for both.

Equal Opportunity

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. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.