Job Description
Residential Support Specialists- hiring for multiple levels
Looking to start or grow a career in human services? The Residential Support Specialist (RSS) career pathway with Washington County’s Developmental Services Division offers meaningful, hands-on roles helping individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities thrive in residential and community settings. Whether just beginning a professional journey as an RSS I or ready to take on advanced responsibility at the RSS III level, this is an opportunity to make a difference, develop impactful skills, and grow with one of Vermont's leading service agencies. If you learn best in hands-on, collaborative settings, this may be the fit for you.
Job Duties: Job duties take on more responsibility and complexity over time. This list is a basic summary:
- Provide respectful and safe daily care to clients with developmental and intellectual disabilities in residential settings
- Support clients in developing independence in daily living skills
- Foster community connections for clients
- Follow proper documentation practices
- Accompany clients to appointments, activities, or community outings as directed, providing transportation when needed
- Administer medications when trained and delegated
More advanced:
- Develop and implement care and behavior plans
- Mentor new staff
- Participate in collaborative care teams
Most advanced:
- Complex care coordination
- Deliver expert-level behavioral interventions in a variety of settings
- Develop and lead treatment plans
Qualifications :
- Valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and consistent, regular access to a safe, reliable, insured vehicle
- High school completion. BA preferred
- Three or more years of experience providing services to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and autism. Helpful for Level I, required for Level III.
Knowledge, skills, and competencies: - Strong verbal and written communication skills
- De-escalation consistent with training and protocol
- Knowledge of Behavioral Support Plans, Communication Plans, and Individual Support Agreements
- Positive regard for individuals with disabilities, autism, and co-occurring mental health or substance abuse disorders
Work Environment: - Some clients are high-acuity and it is essential that staff maintain appropriate staffing ratios and follow all safety procedures.
- This position requires working in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, including office spaces, all program spaces, in the community and in client homes and living environments.
- Driving/travel by car and transportation of clients is required. This may include individuals with challenging behaviors.
- Work hours will include evening and weekend shifts to meet program staffing requirements.
- Extended periods of time in a stationary position at a workstation.
- Medical or other emergencies can occur, and staff will need to contact emergency services.
Compensation and benefits: This full-time position starts at $18.87 (Level I) to $21.23 (Level III) per hour and includes comprehensive benefits including paid time off, employer-sponsored health, dental, life, and disability insurances; a 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match; and educational benefits such as tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment. Overnight and weekend shift differentials.
To apply: We encourage applicants to apply via the WCMHS website Careers page. Applications (resume and cover letter) may also be emailed to
recruitment@wcmhs.org or mailed via USPS mail to WCMHS Human Resources, PO Box 647, Montpelier, VT 05601.
WCMHS strives to make our application process accessible to all. If you need language assistance or an accommodation in the application process, please contact us at recruitment@wcmhs.org or 802-229-1399. About the agency: For more than 50 years, Washington County Mental Health Services (WCMHS) has served the Washington County community and the Orange County towns of Orange, Washington and Williamstown. WCMHS provides education, support, and treatment of individuals and families living with mental health challenges, substance use issues, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. Providing accessible, high-quality services in the community, schools, and health care settings, we work toward positive outcomes for wellness with collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate care. Washington County Mental Health Services is “Where Hope and Support Come Together.”
Washington County Mental Health Services is an equal opportunity employer. Grounded in our understanding that diversity makes us stronger, we are committed to inclusion in our workplace and services. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, health care coverage status, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Work at office, Local area, Night shift, Afternoon shift,