Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

MHA – Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people live their best life. We provide a wide range of services across Western Massachusetts, including outpatient therapy, substance use recovery, supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or brain injuries, and residential and housing programs. MHA serves individuals impacted by mental illness, substance use, developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and homelessness. Our mission is rooted in inclusion, dignity, and empowering people to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

About the GRIT Program:

The GRIT program by the Mental Health Association (MHA) offers residential rehabilitation for individuals with substance use challenges and co-occurring mental health conditions. GRIT provides a structured, supportive environment focused on recovery, personal growth, and long-term stability.

Residents engage in individualized counseling, recovery-focused programming, and community activities like education, job training, or employment. With locations in Springfield (men’s programs) and Holyoke (LGBTQIA+ program), GRIT combines the comforts of home with access to vital resources. A skilled, multidisciplinary team works closely with each resident to build a strong foundation for recovery and create personalized aftercare plans for a successful return to the community.

Position Summary:

We’re seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to join the MHA GRIT Program within the Division of Recovery Services. This is a unique, recovery-focused role that blends clinical care with meaningful, person-centered support outside of a traditional hospital or clinic setting.

You’ll work directly with individuals rebuilding their lives after mental health or substance use challenges, providing hands-on nursing care, medication support, and care coordination. As part of a collaborative, values-driven team, you’ll build strong relationships and be a consistent, trusted presence in participants’ recovery journeys.

Pay Rate: $33.00+ per hour.

Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday 9am-5pm (40h).

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess the physical health needs of program participants and help shape individualized care plans.
• Monitor medications, observe side effects, and provide clear education to participants about their treatment.
• Communicate regularly with outside providers, physicians, and VNAs to coordinate care.
• Support a culture of wellness through participant engagement and informal health coaching.
• Partner with staff on MAP (Medication Administration Program) training and compliance.
• Be part of the team that ensures participants get timely, quality healthcare—including advocating for follow-up care and second opinions when needed.
• Participate in treatment planning, discharge planning, and program wellness initiatives.
• Keep clear, compliant, and organized documentation on all participant health services.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Mental Health Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Requirements:

• LPN license in Massachusetts is required.
• At least 2 years of experience working with individuals with psychiatric or behavioral health needs.
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, common medical conditions, and wellness principles.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to coordinate care and advocate effectively within the healthcare system.

Benefits:

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision).
• Retirement Plan (403B, IRA).
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D).
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays).
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity).
• Long Term Disability.
• $33.00+ per hour.

What We Do MHA (Mental Health Association) helps people live their best life. We provide access to therapies for emotional health and wellness; services for substance use recovery, developmental disabilities and acquired brain injury; services for housing and residential programming, and more. With respect, integrity and compassion, MHA provides each individual served through person-driven programming to foster independence, community engagement, wellness and recovery. Why It Matters The youth, adults, seniors and families we serve want the same things in life as anyone: to have friends, work, go to school, have meaningful relationships, express themselves (and be heard), and be accepted in their community for who they are. With our help and resources from a caring community, people can live their potential, in their community, every day. How We Think Starting in the 1960s, MHA’s groundbreaking efforts and advocacy helped to transition people away from institutional living to a life in our community. This became a model for the deinstitutionalization movement. Today, our leadership continues to advance awareness of mental health conditions and needs at local, regional and national levels. We drive compassionate care for those challenged by mental health, developmental disabilities, substance use, homelessness, acquired brain injury and more.