Residential Support Specialist (MBTA - Newton Center Accessible)

Salary Range $18.00 - $19.00 Hourly

Level Entry

Position Type Full-Time/Part-Time

Job Shift Afternoon into Evening

Education Level High School

Travel Percentage Negligible

Category Entry Level

Description

Mainstay Supportive Housing and Home Care, Inc. is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping vulnerable individuals; low-income elders; people living with disabilities and mental health complexities; and those transitioning out of chronic homelessness—live with dignity, independence and stability in their communities. Since our founding in 1975, we’ve been deeply rooted in providing housing services to the most vulnerable and have expanded into providing permanent supportive housing, and person-centered home care in communities across Massachusetts.

We are seeking dedicated and enthusiastic part time Residential Support Specialists to support adults living with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) in developing daily living skills and maintaining independence within a respectful and supportive home environment.

This part-time position is with Weekday and Weekend shifts available, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

In this role, you will visit with residents, helping ensure they feel safe, respected, and supported in their daily lives. You’ll coach residents in life skills/activities of daily living, encourage independence, and play a central role in creating a household culture where everyone feels they belong.

What you will do:

• Conduct daily, one-hour visits with each resident, where you would engage in activities of daily living (ADL) coaching, support of life skills and gentle medication reminders.

• Support residents in building independence through participation in household chores and community activities.

• Model respectful communication and coach residents through social and behavioral challenges.

Qualifications

Who You Are:

• Passionate about supporting individuals with IDD and committed to person-centered care.

• A calm, empathetic presence who leads with patience, consistency, and respect.

• Organized and dependable, with the ability to provide ADL support alongside meaningful resident interactions.

• Energized by community and routine — someone who genuinely enjoys cooking dinner and sharing a table with others.

What we’re looking for:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required

• A calm, empathetic individual who leads with patience, consistency, and respect.

• Familiarity with activities of daily living (ADL) support

• Experience in direct care, residential support, or human services (especially adults with IDD)

• Demonstrated ability to support independence and engage residents with compassion and respect

What we appreciate but are not required:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field

• Enthusiastic leaders in human services or social work, or related fields, who have demonstrated an ability to support others in an effective and compassionate manner while respecting their independence.

• CPR/First Aid certification (or a willingness to obtain)

• Undergraduate or graduate-level students in social work, medicine or other related fields are encouraged to apply!

Why This Role Matters:

The Residential Support Specialist plays a vital role in helping adults with IDD live more independently and with greater dignity than they otherwise would. You would be a stable, compassionate presence in the home by empowering residents, supporting their life skills, and creating a warm, inclusive environment.

Mainstay is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.