Entry Level Mental Health Worker Jobs
New grad mental health worker jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship background or field placement can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Healthcare & Medical Services and Education, with employers like Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Valley Professionals Community Health Center hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Entry Level Mental Health Worker jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Southeast Area On-Grounds Adult Residential Program is seeking a talented individual who have the ability to develop therapeutic relationships with Person Served to assist in developing meaningful Community Service Plans that will meet their life goals. A professional atmosphere and performance are expected at all times. Documentation of Person Served progress and communication is an essential duty. Maintaining a Person Centered and Trauma Informed approach fosters an environment where individuals can work on achieving their goals and dealing with any barriers to their progress. This position requires transportation of clients to appointments and other community activities.
Please Note: The selected candidate will work 40 hours per week on the 3rd shift from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The days off will be Wednesday and Thursday. The work location will cover both Taunton and Lakeville, MA.
Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive):
- Works as primary advocate by providing direct one to one contact with assigned person served to assist them in all areas and to aid them in the implementation of their Community Service Plan.
- Appropriate record keeping ensuring documentation in the EMR of person served progress and to ensure compliance with existing DMH regulations and procedures.
- Adheres to MAP policies and procedures to ensure that medication is administered safely to person served.
- Assist person served in development of independent living skills, such as personal hygiene, cooking, housekeeping, clothing maintenance, and nutrition by utilizing motivational interviewing skills and counseling techniques, role modeling and/or other individualized or group best practices to promote person served growth.
- Engage persons individually and/or in group, in the development of recreational, educational, health and fitness activities within the program and the community to foster an improved quality of life.
- Promote emotional growth and mental stability by assisting with use of Safety and Crisis Plans to promote independence in managing crisis.
- Provide an oral report to the oncoming shift; reading and writing all pertinent information in the log and communication with person in charge all required and necessary information to facilitate communication and provide for continuity of care.
- Ongoing yard, house and vehicle maintenance, and cleaning to ensure that the condition of GLE site/yard meets Rehab Option, Licensing and Human Rights standards.
- Act in a professional, courteous and respectful manner in dealing with persons served, families, coworkers and other service providers.
- Maintain an environment of respect, privacy and quality of service to uphold the rights of persons served. Assist persons to file complaints when needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
- Capacity to perform basic mathematics.
- Proven ability to gather information through observing and questioning individuals.
- Talent for communicating effectively in oral expression, writing clearly and concisely, and developing ideas in logical sequence.
- Skilled in interacting with people who are under emotional stress with the ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful or emergency situations.
Special Requirements:
- Please note in accordance with an agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health and AFSCME/Council 93, employees assigned to a work unit where the Medication Administration Program (MAP) is used are required to pass MAP certification within 6 months of entering the position or 3 examination opportunities, whichever comes first. Employees are required to maintain MAP certification as long as you are working in said program.
- Possession of a current and valid class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license required for this function.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in and/or knowledge of human services.
- MAP Certification.
- Experience with DMH regulations and program procedures.
- Familiarity and implementation of MAP policies.
- Experience working with individuals with serious, persistent mental illness, substance abuse and/or who have experienced homelessness.
- Previous experience working in a residential setting.
- Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
About the On Grounds Program:
On Grounds Program is part of the Taunton/Attleboro Site that transitions clients from an inpatient setting to a more independent community living setting. The Program is staffed 24 hours a day/7 day a week. In all we always aspire to create an environment which promotes growth and independence for patients, families, and employees alike.
DMH Vision and Mission:
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports 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. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.
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 http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."
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.
Qualifications First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
Based on assignment: Incumbents are required upon successful completion of a training program to obtain and maintain one or more of the following certifications: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification.
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% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Mental Health Worker I
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Taunton-60 Hodges Avenue
Job: Direct Care
Agency: Department of Mental Health
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Night
Job Posting: Aug 24, 2026, 11:52:43 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 48,754.68 - 61,653.28 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Christina Hyppolite, christina.r.hyppolite@mass.gov - 8572835830
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
INTRODUCTION
The Southeast Area On-Grounds Adult Residential Program is seeking a talented individual who have the ability to develop therapeutic relationships with Person Served to assist in developing meaningful Community Service Plans that will meet their life goals. A professional atmosphere and performance are expected at all times. Documentation of Person Served progress and communication is an essential duty. Maintaining a Person Centered and Trauma Informed approach fosters an environment where individuals can work on achieving their goals and dealing with any barriers to their progress. This position requires transportation of clients to appointments and other community activities.
Please Note: The selected candidate will work 40 hours per week on the 3rd shift from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The days off will be Wednesday and Thursday. The work location will cover both Taunton and Lakeville, MA.
Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties and responsibilities are not all inclusive):
- Works as primary advocate by providing direct one to one contact with assigned person served to assist them in all areas and to aid them in the implementation of their Community Service Plan.
- Appropriate record keeping ensuring documentation in the EMR of person served progress and to ensure compliance with existing DMH regulations and procedures.
- Adheres to MAP policies and procedures to ensure that medication is administered safely to person served.
- Assist person served in development of independent living skills, such as personal hygiene, cooking, housekeeping, clothing maintenance, and nutrition by utilizing motivational interviewing skills and counseling techniques, role modeling and/or other individualized or group best practices to promote person served growth.
- Engage persons individually and/or in group, in the development of recreational, educational, health and fitness activities within the program and the community to foster an improved quality of life.
- Promote emotional growth and mental stability by assisting with use of Safety and Crisis Plans to promote independence in managing crisis.
- Provide an oral report to the oncoming shift; reading and writing all pertinent information in the log and communication with person in charge all required and necessary information to facilitate communication and provide for continuity of care.
- Ongoing yard, house and vehicle maintenance, and cleaning to ensure that the condition of GLE site/yard meets Rehab Option, Licensing and Human Rights standards.
- Act in a professional, courteous and respectful manner in dealing with persons served, families, coworkers and other service providers.
- Maintain an environment of respect, privacy and quality of service to uphold the rights of persons served. Assist persons to file complaints when needed.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
- Capacity to perform basic mathematics.
- Proven ability to gather information through observing and questioning individuals.
- Talent for communicating effectively in oral expression, writing clearly and concisely, and developing ideas in logical sequence.
- Skilled in interacting with people who are under emotional stress with the ability to maintain a calm manner in stressful or emergency situations.
Special Requirements:
- Please note in accordance with an agreement between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health and AFSCME/Council 93, employees assigned to a work unit where the Medication Administration Program (MAP) is used are required to pass MAP certification within 6 months of entering the position or 3 examination opportunities, whichever comes first. Employees are required to maintain MAP certification as long as you are working in said program.
- Possession of a current and valid class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s license required for this function.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in and/or knowledge of human services.
- MAP Certification.
- Experience with DMH regulations and program procedures.
- Familiarity and implementation of MAP policies.
- Experience working with individuals with serious, persistent mental illness, substance abuse and/or who have experienced homelessness.
- Previous experience working in a residential setting.
- Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
About the On Grounds Program:
On Grounds Program is part of the Taunton/Attleboro Site that transitions clients from an inpatient setting to a more independent community living setting. The Program is staffed 24 hours a day/7 day a week. In all we always aspire to create an environment which promotes growth and independence for patients, families, and employees alike.
DMH Vision and Mission:
The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports 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. This critical mission is accomplished by working in partnership with other state agencies, individuals, families, providers, and communities.
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 http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."
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.
Qualifications First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: None.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver’s license at a class level specific to assignment.
Based on assignment: Incumbents are required upon successful completion of a training program to obtain and maintain one or more of the following certifications: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and Medication Administration Program (MAP) certification.
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% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Mental Health Worker I
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Taunton-60 Hodges Avenue
Job: Direct Care
Agency: Department of Mental Health
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Night
Job Posting: Aug 24, 2026, 11:52:43 AM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 48,754.68 - 61,653.28 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Christina Hyppolite, christina.r.hyppolite@mass.gov - 8572835830
Bargaining Unit: 02-AFSCME - Service/Institutional
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: No
See All 12 Entry Level Mental Health Worker Jobs
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Entry Level Mental Health Worker Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level mental health worker job?
Entry level mental health worker employers look for candidates with a relevant degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, plus any hands-on experience from internships, practicums, or volunteer work in a clinical or community setting. Strong communication skills, empathy, and familiarity with documentation or case management practices give candidates a clear edge. Certifications like CPR or Mental Health First Aid can also strengthen an application at this stage.
Which companies hire entry level mental health workers?
Companies hiring entry level mental health workers right now include Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Valley Professionals Community Health Center, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from community mental health centers, residential treatment facilities, behavioral health nonprofits, and hospital systems looking to build out direct-support staff.
Are there remote entry level mental health worker jobs?
Yes, though most roles at this level are on-site or hybrid given the hands-on nature of the work. About 0% of entry level mental health worker openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with remote positions more common in crisis hotline support, care coordination, and telehealth assistant roles than in direct residential or clinical settings.
Are these new grad mental health worker jobs?
Yes, these openings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior mental health worker roles. A posting is generally new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or supervised practicum hours, or lists a portfolio of field placements as acceptable qualifications. Look for language like "entry level," "new graduates encouraged to apply," or "training provided" as reliable signals.
Which industries hire the most entry level mental health workers?
Entry Level mental health worker roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they rely heavily on direct-support staff, case aides, and mental health technicians to meet growing demand for behavioral health services across outpatient, residential, and community-based programs.