Rehabilitation Counselor (A/B) - Adolescent Services

As a Rehabilitation Counselor at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH), you will play an essential role in guiding individuals on their journey toward recovery and reintegration.

Working in a collaborative, person-centered environment, this role provides services to adolescent patients focuses on developing and facilitating therapeutic rehabilitation and recovery programs that help individuals with mental health challenges build skills, confidence, and independence.

Those working in this position will facilitate evidence based/ best practice treatment groups, such as psycho-educational, task-based, leisure and on unit milieu treatment groups. This position is ideal for someone passionate about empowering others through structured support and meaningful engagement.

You will be joining a multidisciplinary team committed to holistic, recovery-oriented care, where creativity and initiative are valued. This is more than a counseling role—it is an opportunity to shape and deliver programs that make a lasting impact on lives.

WRCH supports your ongoing professional growth through training and development, and offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your skills and compassion directly contribute to the well-being and future success of others.

Please Note: This is a Full-Time, 40-hour/week position. The schedule is 11:15 AM – 7:45 PM with Fridays and Saturdays as the days off.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive):

Develop and facilitate therapeutic individual and group treatment to assist patients in developing functional skills needed to reach their recovery goals and support them in the rehabilitation recovery process.

Develop, implement, and supervise skills training and support work programs tailored to patient’s needs. (as assigned)

Document clinical observations / findings using appropriate rehabilitative terms and completing documentation within the rehabilitation workflow standards.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and external professionals to share information and determine appropriate training and placement strategies.

Prepare, review, and maintain detailed reports and recommendations concerning client patient progress, program effectiveness, and treatment plans.

Participate in ongoing professional development through in-service trainings, seminars, and workshops related to recovery and rehabilitation.

Recommend and oversee the procurement of equipment and materials necessary for program delivery.

Attend clinical and administrative meetings to coordinate care and contribute to maximizing treatment outcomes.

Manage fiscal responsibilities related to trainee payments and ensure accurate documentation in compliance with program policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Occupational Therapy (COTA) certification is a plus.
• Possession of a current Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) credential.
• Experience working in mental health or behavioral health rehabilitation settings.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement person-centered recovery and rehabilitation programs.
• Strong knowledge of evidence based / best practice treatment models and frames of reference used in a mental health setting.
• Proficiency in facilitating treatment groups focused on skill development, and life skills.
• Experience collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary treatment teams.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including documenting on progress patients have made toward their recovery goals.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and ethical standards.

Familiarity with state and federal regulations related to vocational rehabilitation and mental health services.

Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in rehabilitation counseling.

About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH)

Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.

Learn more about WRCH: Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) | Mass.gov

DMH Mission Statement

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and support to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Pre-Hire Process

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit mass.gov

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines,

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122, Option 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Required Work Experience

At least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or paraprofessional experience in social work, social casework, vocational counseling, employment counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or educational counseling.

Substitutions

• A Bachelor's or higher degree in rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.
• A Bachelor's or higher degree in a major other than rehabilitation, vocational rehabilitation counseling, education of the physically or emotionally handicapped, education of the multiple handicapped, education of the learning disabled, social work, psychology, human services, or counseling may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience on the basis of four years of education for one year of experience.
• Licensure as a Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health Professionals or Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification may be substituted for the required experience.
• One year of education equals 30 semester hours. Education toward a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.