Residential Counselor

Location: Sturbridge, MA
Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours per week, First and Second Shifts  
Salary: The starting rate for this position is $23/hr.

CRJ’s Disabilities Services supports adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities through specialized programs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We offer a range of residential and day programs to support people in the places they want to live and work. We provide care tailored to the needs of individuals we serve; we don’t look to make the individuals fit into our programs.      

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Join our team as a Residential Counselor and help create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for individuals with disabilities in our group homes. 

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred. 

• Prior experience working in residential or behavioral health settings is a plus. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Ability to remain calm and compassionate in challenging situations. 

• Prior experience with electronic documenting and report writing. 

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, an

• Desire to make a genuine difference in the lives of others

• Must pass required certifications in the allotted time set forth by the agency

• Must pass a criminal and driver’s check

What You'll Do:

• Provide direct support and supervision to individuals with developmental disabilities.  

• Assist with daily living activities, including meal preparation, medication monitoring, and transportation. 

• Foster a positive and respectful community environment. 

• Document resident progress and incidents accurately and timely. 

• Collaborate with clinical staff to support individualized treatment plans. 

• Respond to crises and implement de-escalation techniques when needed. 

• Supervise and transport clients during assigned hours; this may include job interviews, medical appointments, weekly recreation, religious services, and shopping trips

• Support and teach clients new skills including, but not limited to, specific goals in the clients’ Individual Service Plan

• Acting as a positive role model for the client to support attaining the highest quality of life while maintaining their safety in all settings

• Administering medications and completing appropriate documentation in a timely manner, such as progress notes, weekly summaries, and attendance

Why Join Us?

• Supportive team environment. 

• Opportunities for professional development and training. 

• Meaningful work that impacts lives every day. 

• Excellent benefits package

Benefits: CRJ offers eligible employees medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, life and disability insurance, and a retirement plan with a company match. Additional benefits include tuition assistance, an employee assistance program, training and professional development opportunities, and voluntary benefit options. 

About CRJ: Our Mission, Your Opportunity

Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing lives and strengthening communities through direct service, advocacy, and innovation. We operate across four core service lines:

• Community Strategies (CS): Supporting adults with developmental disabilities to live independently and thrive in their communities. Providing a range of top-quality residential and non-residential programs for men and women with intellectual or developmental disabilities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Our programs offer individual and group treatment and are geared toward promoting independence and improving life skills. Clients also receive support with job development, on-the-job coaching, and educational opportunities.
• Reentry Services (RS): Supporting people leaving incarceration to make positive, sustainable life transitions. We firmly believe that change is possible and attainable for all that we serve. With a strict focus on outcomes, the Reentry Services Division is committed to delivering contemporary and evidence-based services to the individuals in our care. Through delivering innovative programming and collaborating with community agencies, we provide hope and support to our clients as they make safe and successful transitions into their communities.
• Crime & Justice Institute (CJI): Driving bold, transformative improvements in adult and youth justice systems by working with working with local, state, and national criminal justice organizations to improve public safety and the delivery of justice. The CJI team brings decades of experience developing evidence-based, data-driven policies, managing complex processes with diverse stakeholders, and driving systems-level organizational change. Our energetic staff and network of consultants come from a variety of backgrounds.
• Family Reentry (FRE): At Family Reentry, we address the often-intertwining problems of behavioral health, domestic violence, reentry, recidivism, and risks to youth by offering evidence-based interventions to provide support and effect positive change. We offer a holistic approach by working to connect clients to basic needs and offering support to create change and increase stronger coping and life skills.

CRJ is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in all its forms and encourage candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and be part of the change!