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 a dedicated and enthusiastic Lead Residential Support Specialist 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 full-time position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
In this role, you will oversee daily house operations while conducting individualized support visits 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:
Resident Support & Direct Care
- 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.
Household Operations
- Prepare one community-style dinner per day for residents, where fostering a sense of inclusion and routine at the table is essential.
- Monitor household supplies and place timely orders to ensure the home is well-stocked and clean.
- Lead residents in upholding shared responsibilities for chores, safety, and cleanliness standards throughout the home.
Leadership & Team Collaboration
- De-escalate conflicts among residents, as needed, while promoting a peaceful and inclusive environment.
- Lead house meetings or community events with care to strengthen resident communication and engagement.
- Coordinate with Resident Specialists and the Program Manager as your support system, as needed.
Who You Are
- Passionate about supporting individuals with IDD and committed to person-centered.
- A calm, empathetic presence who leads with patience, consistency, and respect.
- Comfortable taking the lead in a residential setting while remaining collaborative and communicative with your team.
- Organized and dependable, with the ability to manage household operations 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 presence who leads with patience, consistency, and respect.
- 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
- Compassionate communicators, who excel with time-management, organization, and conflict de-escalation
- Enthusiastic leaders in healthcare or social work, or related fields, who have demonstrated an ability to support others in an effective and compassionate manner while respecting their independence.
What we appreciate but is not require:
- Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field
- Experience in a residential or community-based support setting
- Familiarity with activities of daily living (ADL) support and basic medication management practices
- 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 Lead Residental Support Specialist plays a vital role in helping adults with I/DD 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.
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Experience in direct care, residential support, or human services
What We Do
Mainstay provides human service and housing programs across Massachusetts, including permanent supportive housing and compassionate, person-centered home care. Their mission is to help vulnerable people live safe, dignified, and rich lives in their own communities.
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