The Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) operated by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a Rehabilitation Counselor to provide psycho-social and psycho-educational group and individual treatment to clients. The selected candidate will provide individual / group treatment hospital wide and will work to assist individuals to reach their recovery goals by developing functional performance skills and task-based treatments.

Candidates should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and be able to work independently and as part of a team. The successful candidate must also be able to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the clients and the department.

Please note the following schedules:

(3) 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with Saturday/Sunday off
(1) 11:15 a.m. -7:45 p.m. with Saturday/Sunday off

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Develop, implement, and oversee skills training and supported work programs.
• Facilitate group workshops for clients on interviewing skills, resume writing, work skills, and behaviors to prepare them for job opportunities.
• Prepare and review reports and recommendations on progress, programs, problems, and treatment outcomes.
• Attend in-service trainings, seminars, and workshops in Recovery and Rehabilitation, as necessary.
• Make recommendations for the purchase of equipment and materials for program/service use.
• Attend meetings to confer with colleagues and present information to enhance treatment effectiveness.
• Manage the fiscal aspects of trainee payment and documentation while upholding ethical standards in the Rehabilitation profession.

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the principles and techniques of recovery and rehabilitation.
• Understanding of the various types and symptoms of mental and/or emotional disorders.
• Proficiency with general report writing methods.
• Expertise in the methods and techniques of vocational education for Vocational Rehabilitation.
• Skilled in collecting information through direct questioning and observation of individuals.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapy education.
• Knowledge of both Mental Health and Physical Disability best practices and treatment modalities.
• Experience working with patients who present with Functional Mobility and Fall risk concerns, neurocognitive disorders, and may need assistance with ADL’s.
• Experience working in a Behavioral Health setting.
• Ability to provide individual/group treatment that meets the patient's recovery goals
• Group dynamics and group process skills.
• Skilled in providing Rehabilitation best practice /evidence-based Mental Health Rehabilitative Treatment.
• Ability to navigate an electronic medical record and document treatment findings, as well as documenting patients' progress towards their recovery goals.
• Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH):

Located on over 100 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, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service, and 30 adolescents on the ACCU.

Learn more about WRCH: https://www.mass.gov/locations/worcester-recovery-center-and-hospital-wrch

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.

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!
Pre-Offer 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, please contact Human Resources at, 1-800-510-4122 EXT 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE: At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.

• Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.

• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

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. If you decline to vaccinate you will be required to take mitigation measures mandated by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) that are consistent with guidance from the Department of Public Health. Failure to take those mitigation measures, including masking, could lead to discipline, up to and including termination.

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.