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GAAMHA

Integrated housing, treatment, and employment services

Recovery Specialist

Part-Time
$18 - $20/yr
Entry
Petersham, MA, USA
In PersonPart-time shifts are scheduled at the Petersham workplace; per-diem shifts vary.
Social & Community ServicesResidential & Direct Support

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Demonstrated ability to support individuals in early recovery using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach.
  • Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  • Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office applications.
  • A valid driver's license and acceptable driving history are required.
  • A CORI/background check and Adam Walsh clearance are required.
  • Applicants with lived experience in substance use disorder recovery must have a minimum of one year of continuous sobriety.
Responsibilities
  • Foster a safe, welcoming, and recovery-oriented living environment that promotes dignity, respect, and personal growth.
  • Build supportive relationships with residents and their children while encouraging healthy routines, recovery goals, and community living.
  • Assist residents in developing life skills, problem-solving abilities, and independent living skills through daily coaching and support.
  • Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups using established curricula and complete accurate progress notes documenting attendance and participation.
  • Participate in daily activities that strengthen family engagement and support the overall recovery process.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the residence during assigned shifts, ensuring a safe, structured, and substance-free environment.
  • Conduct resident headcounts, wellness checks, and routine monitoring of the facility and surrounding property to maintain safety and security.
  • Monitor resident activities and facility conditions, responding appropriately to emergencies and ensuring program expectations are followed.
  • Remain available to respond to emergencies and crisis situations as required by program operations.
  • Understand and follow all mandated reporting requirements for suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119, Section 51A.
  • Monitor resident prescribed medications, including medication observation, refill coordination, and proper disposal of discontinued medications.
  • Document medication observations accurately on resident medication administration records.
  • Observe resident parents administering prescribed medications to children under the age of 18 in accordance with program policy.
  • Complete timely, accurate documentation including shift logs, incident reports, progress notes, and other required records.
  • Maintain confidentiality and protect client information in accordance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and agency policies.
  • Transport residents as needed using agency vehicles or approved transportation.
  • Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, and ongoing professional development.
  • Collaborate with coworkers and community partners to support resident success and continuity of care.
  • Represent GAAMHA professionally in the community while modeling the organization's mission, values, and commitment to recovery.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • A CADC, LADC, or other recovery-related certification is preferred.
  • Experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, or within residential treatment settings is preferred.

About the company

GAAMHA is a Gardner, Massachusetts–based nonprofit that provides a continuum of human services across dozens of communities. Its offerings include residential and outpatient treatment, housing, transportation, employment through a social enterprise, and innovative programs like care farming and peer recovery coaching. The model works by integrating clinical care, housing, employment, and transportation to move people from crisis to stability, creating a seamless ecosystem rather than standalone services. What sets GAAMHA apart is its long history of evolving services into an interconnected system, including an in-house social enterprise and new programs that support recovery and community contribution under a leadership team that includes a CEO who began as a client. The goal is to restore dignity and choice by helping individuals regain stability and become active contributors to their communities.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Gardner, Massachusetts

Founded

1967

Get referred to GAAMHA

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • GAAMHA updated Pathway House and Supportive Housing pages in August and September 2026.
  • Greenwich House, updated November 2025, expands mothers-and-children recovery capacity in Petersham.
  • GAAMHA still advertises dozens of Massachusetts communities served, signaling broad referral reach and brand awareness.

What critics are saying

  • Massachusetts licensing governs GAAMHA programs; any citation threatens occupancy, referrals, and revenue.
  • HigherGov shows federal grant dependence and no contract wins, limiting diversification before 2026.
  • Supportive housing and treatment demand heavy staffing; turnover can break service continuity within months.

What makes GAAMHA unique

  • GAAMHA spans residential rehab, outpatient care, supportive housing, and developmental services across Massachusetts.
  • Shawn Hayden became CEO in May 2024 after rising from a former Pathway House client.
  • GAAMHA ties treatment to housing, transportation, employment, and case management through one ecosystem.

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Benefits

  • Training Programs
  • Professional Development Budget