V

Vinfen

Health and human services for disabilities

Mental Health Counselor - Restoration Center

Full-TimeDeadline 9/23/27
$23.52/hr
Entry
Lowell, MA, USA
In Person
Social & Community ServicesResidential & Direct Support

About the job

Requirements
  • One to two years of related experience working with people with psychiatric disabilities and/or co-occurring disorders is preferred.
  • Must have access to an operational, insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport Persons Served.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Must present a valid driver's license at employment; be at least 21 years old; have held a valid U.S. driver's license for at least one year; and pass a driver's screening background check.
  • Must maintain adequate insurance and a safe driving record subject to annual checks when using a personal vehicle.
  • Must obtain CPR certification within two weeks of hire.
  • Must obtain First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
  • Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, and climb; lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two-person lift; operate a computer and office equipment; sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways; assist clients with daily living tasks; and speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
  • Must have the specific vision abilities required for the job, including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles, and modalities; clinical and psychiatric rehabilitation values, principles, and techniques; health risks prevalent among adults with serious mental illness or substance use disorders; health promotion and clinical care coordination techniques; trauma-informed and culturally responsive services; human, legal, civil, community, and other resources; empowerment and self-advocacy techniques; and available community health, mental health, and substance use disorder services and resources.
  • Ability to collaborate on multidisciplinary and cross-functional teams; make independent judgments and decisions; work professionally and confidentially; balance competing priorities; work under pressure in fast-paced health and human services environments; articulate the program's mission; represent the organization in different circumstances and forums; identify opportunities and obstacles and develop effective solutions; and establish supportive, trusting relationships with enrollees.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender issues.
  • Maintain a strong commitment to the rights and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive resources and support in their community of choice.
Responsibilities
  • Orient Persons Served who are new to the Respite.
  • Collaborate with Respite Program staff to address the needs of Persons Served and implement their Treatment Plan interventions as directed by the Respite Clinical Supervisor.
  • Complete day-to-day assignments as directed by the Program Director.
  • Use recovery-oriented, person-centered, harm-reduction, trauma-informed, culturally competent, and strengths-based approaches with Persons Served.
  • Follow safety, maintenance, Human Rights, and other operational policies and procedures, and comply with physical-site licensing standards and regulations.
  • Create opportunities for Persons Served to participate in Respite operations, including meal preparation and physical-site maintenance.
  • Encourage social interaction among Persons Served and foster a collaborative environment in which Persons Served, their family, friends, and other important people are welcomed and respected; serve as a resource for neighbors.
  • Help Persons Served prepare meals and advocate on their behalf.
  • Participate in trainings, supervision, and staff meetings as requested; assist with the orientation of new staff; and complete required documentation.
  • Contribute to program quality-improvement goals and objectives.
  • Help Persons Served use crisis-intervention techniques when necessary and access on-call backup when needed.
  • Support evidence-based and best practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Housing First, Stages of Change, Wellness Recovery Action Plans, Seeking Safety, and Cognitive Behavioral interventions.
  • Complete incident documentation as needed and perform physical-site maintenance according to the maintenance schedule.
  • Transport and accompany Persons Served to community appointments, promote their safety during transportation, arrange routine vehicle maintenance, and comply with company vehicle procedures.
  • Develop and maintain service-oriented, professional relationships with community resources and other service providers.
  • Monitor the status of Persons Served and report concerns or incidents to a supervisor.
  • Pick up and drop off program-material and supply deliveries as assigned.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in a human services field is preferred.
  • Bilingual or bicultural applicants and applicants with lived experience of psychiatric conditions are encouraged to apply.

About the company

Vinfen provides health and human services to adolescents and adults with disabilities or life challenges. It operates more than 200 locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut and offers a range of evidence-based programs, including recovery support, supported living, habilitation, education, employment services, clinical care, and peer support. How the product works: Vinfen delivers these services through coordinated programs and teams at community sites and partners, helping people gain skills, live more independently, and participate in daily life. How it differs from competitors: Its large, regional network covers a broad continuum of care—from clinical treatment to housing and employment—across both youths and adults, using evidence-based approaches and integrated supports. What the company aims to achieve: to improve quality of life, independence, and meaningful community participation for people with disabilities or life challenges.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Founded

1977

Get referred to Vinfen

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Vinfen added Melissa Shannon as vice president of policy and strategy on August 11, 2026.
  • Gateway Arts raised more than $120,000 in July 2026, strengthening donor-backed programs.
  • The Lowell Restoration Center gives Vinfen a visible, state-backed crisis-care platform through 2028.

What critics are saying

  • Massachusetts staffing shortages hit direct care roles; Vinfen faced layoffs or unpaid leave in 2026.
  • DMH contract dependence creates budget risk; the Lowell extension added only about $250,000.
  • The Commonwealth’s 2026 Skyline Drive case shows Vinfen’s landlord and placement ecosystem faces legal scrutiny.

What makes Vinfen unique

  • Vinfen operates Massachusetts and Connecticut community behavioral health, disability, and brain-injury services.
  • Restoration Center of Greater Lowell opened March 31, 2026 as 24/7 crisis diversion.
  • Vinfen’s 2025 annual report shows $295.7 million revenue and $89.2 million net assets.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Pet Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Bonus

Employee Discounts