Program Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts
Program Specialist jobs in Massachusetts are among the most active in the country, concentrated in healthcare administration, higher education, human services, and state government across Boston, Worcester, and Springfield. Anchor employers with deep and consistent hiring include Mass General Brigham, UMass systems, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts executive agencies. The most in-demand sub-areas are grant and contract administration, workforce development programs, and behavioral health case coordination, with openings at every level from entry-level program associate to senior program manager. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP), operated by the Department of Mental Health (DMH), is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and experienced individual who will function as the Office Support Specialist to the Assistant Program Director and Clinical Department. The selected candidate will perform a variety of administrative functions that will include preparing and analyzing correspondence, reports, and other materials as needed; arranging meetings with internal and external contacts; responding to inquiries, and assisting in various office programs. The Office Support Specialist will provide guidance and on-the-job training to newly hired employees.
Please Note: The selected candidate will work 37.5 hours on 1st shift (8:30AM to 4:30PM) Monday through Friday. The days off are Sunday and Saturday.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Provides administrative support to the Clinical Director under Assistant Program Director.
- Assists with maintaining schedule for time off for departmental employees.
- Assists with all mail deliveries, ensuring mail procedures are carried out effectively and efficiently.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
- Manages conference room reservations, books, and forms.
- Assists with the oversight of the maintenance of all copy machines within the Program and unit laptops used for treatment programming.
- Schedules and attends meetings and records minutes.
- Maintains electronic meeting and event calendars.
- Monitors and maintains tracking database for EPRS evaluations.
- Creates and maintains database and spreadsheet files using computer software or databases (Excel and Access to prepare reports and compile data).
- Submits required data to Central Office according to guidelines.
- Uses Excel, Tableau, and Access databases; compiles data into SLS/DATIX system when needed.
- Responds to inquiries and provides information to internal and external contacts in a timely manner.
- Coordinates unit or department programs and activities (e.g.: trainings, seminars, teleconferences, employee recognition activities, recruitment and retention efforts, etc.).
- Ensures office activities are operational and in compliance with standards or guidelines.
- Assist with quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives.
- Provides technical assistance to agency personnel.
- Ensures all program contact information and program directories are up to date.
- Reviews reports, memoranda, etc. for completeness, accuracy, and content.
- Participates in the hiring process of program staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Provides training to newly hired employees.
- Provides all other duties as necessary and assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
- Ability to use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
- Ability to make recommendations.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize.
- Ability to prepare documents and reports accurately.
- Ability to assist customers of diverse backgrounds.
- Ability to follow guidelines and procedures.
- Knowledge of software applications such as desktop publishing, project management, and spreadsheet and database management.
- Ability to work independently and in teams.
- Organizational skills.
- Based on assignment, ability to supervise and assign work effectively.
- Ability to maintain discretion in handling confidential information.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to perform a variety of job tasks simultaneously, and flexible to changing priorities and demands.
- Strong communications and interpersonal skills, with ability to provide clear information and reports.
- Solid workload organization and problem-solving skills; capacity to balance workload.
- Working knowledge of all Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; Tableau software experience a plus.
About the Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP):
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health (DPH) Bureau of Substance Addiction Services operates a statewide Recovery from Addictions Program (RAP) for individuals civilly committed by the courts for substance use treatment for up to 90 days (“Section 35 commitment”).
The program model will provide acute detoxification and early clinical stabilization services as we help clients develop community-based linkages to outpatient supports and substance use disorder treatment providers. The individuals treated within this program will be linked upon discharge to a range of services within the DPH continuum of care for substance use conditions. RAP provides administrative, medical, clinical, and non-clinical services. Its mission to provide quality client-centered care and recovery-oriented treatment.
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.
Learn more: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health
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, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Office Support Specialist I:
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in administrative work experience or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below:
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's or higher degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.
II. An Associate's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.
Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
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!
Primary Location
: United States-Massachusetts-Taunton-60 Hodges AvenueJob
: Administrative ServicesAgency
: Department of Mental HealthSchedule
: Full-timeShift
: DayJob Posting
: Oct 21, 2026, 12:39:47 PMNumber of Openings
: 1Salary
: 57,865.34 - 81,582.28 YearlySee All 66 Program Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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Where Massachusetts roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Specialist Job Market in Massachusetts
A snapshot from current Massachusetts openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Massachusetts Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program specialist jobs across Massachusetts.
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, human services, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience managing or coordinating a program, project, or grant portfolio
- Familiarity with Massachusetts state agency reporting standards or Commonwealth procurement systems
- Strong written communication skills for grant reports, program documentation, and stakeholder updates
- Proficiency with data management tools such as Excel, Salesforce, or agency-specific tracking systems
- Ability to collaborate across departments, contractors, and community partner organizations
Program Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program specialist in Massachusetts?
Most program specialist roles in Massachusetts require a bachelor's degree in a field aligned to the program area, such as public health, social work, education, or public administration, and the role itself carries no universal state license. For positions within Massachusetts state agencies, candidates typically apply through the Commonwealth's MassCareers portal and may need to pass a civil service exam depending on the agency. Roles in licensed human services or behavioral health settings may require a Massachusetts Social Work License or a relevant credential from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions.
Which companies hire program specialists in Massachusetts?
Employers hiring program specialists in Massachusetts right now include American Training, Raytheon, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Massachusetts's dense network of federally funded health and human services organizations, large academic medical centers, and state executive offices means consistent year-round demand across a wide range of program focus areas.
Which Massachusetts cities have the most program specialist jobs?
Boston, Andover, and Worcester consistently have the most program specialist openings in Massachusetts. Boston drives the largest share due to its concentration of state agency headquarters, major academic medical centers, and nonprofit organizations, while Worcester and Springfield anchor demand in central and western Massachusetts through regional human services networks and UMass-affiliated institutions.
Are there remote program specialist jobs in Massachusetts?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles, because program specialist work is largely desk-based, involving coordination, reporting, and stakeholder communication that translates well to remote settings. About 54% of program specialist openings tied to Massachusetts are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting a post-pandemic shift in how state agencies and nonprofits structure administrative roles. Grant management, policy coordination, and training development sub-specialties tend to have the highest share of fully remote postings.
How can I get hired as a program specialist in Massachusetts with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a program coordinator or program assistant role at a Massachusetts human services agency or academic institution, where entry-level candidates are regularly considered. Mass General Brigham, the UMass system, and Commonwealth executive agencies like the Executive Office of Health and Human Services run structured onboarding tracks that frequently absorb candidates from adjacent roles such as case manager, administrative coordinator, or research assistant. Completing AmeriCorps service through the Massachusetts service commission or earning a graduate certificate in public administration or nonprofit management from a Boston-area university strengthens a resume with limited direct experience.
Where can I find and apply to program specialist jobs in Massachusetts?
You can find and apply to program specialist jobs in Massachusetts on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and the sub-area you want to work in, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 66 Program Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts
Find roles in Massachusetts that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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