Daily Living Support Services (DLSS) or… at Alternative… · Portland

Most of us enter the mental health field for one reason: to connect with and help people. At Alternative Wellness Services (AWS), we believe your career should empower you to do exactly that. If you thrive on face-to-face interactions and prefer working dynamically in the community rather than sitting behind a desk, we would love to meet you.

We know that every mental health professional has a unique background and goals. That is why we focus on matching you with the role that best fits your current skills, while actively supporting your long-term career growth.

The AWS Culture: Collaborative, Client-Centered, and Fun!

We don’t just talk about a positive workplace culture; we actively build it. Our agency is deeply client-centered, fiercely collaborative, and rooted in growth and responsibility. When you join AWS, you are joining a supportive team that works hard, relies on each other, and knows how to have a great time. We host multiple company outings throughout the year because we know that a connected, happy team provides the highest quality clinical care.

What You Will Actually Do: Two Paths, One Mission

This is a hands-on, community-based role. The core of your day is always about "doing with, not doing for."

We currently have openings for both Daily Living Support Services (DLSS) staff and Skills Development Specialists (SDS). While both roles share the same goal of keeping clients safe and independent, their daily tasks look a little different. We will match you with the role that fits your current qualifications!

Path 1: Daily Living Support (DLSS) - The Behavioral Coach (Perfect for MHRT/1 or those just starting their career)

• Coach & Cue: Provide face-to-face therapeutic support, acting as a behavioral bridge for clients. You will use verbal cueing and step-by-step modeling to help clients successfully complete daily survival tasks like meal prep, personal hygiene, and safe community navigation.
• Ground & De-escalate: Help clients manage acute anxiety or paranoia while in public settings (like the grocery store) so they can confidently maintain their independence.

Path 2: Skills Development Specialist (SDS) - The Navigator (Perfect for MHRT/C or experienced professionals)

• Complex Skill Building: Go beyond daily routines to help clients develop higher-level life skills, such as complex budgeting, self-advocacy at medical appointments, and long-term community integration.
• Resource Connection: Act as a critical link, helping clients navigate community resources and build natural support systems that prevent psychiatric hospitalization.

For Both Roles: Streamlined, Intuitive Documentation We want you focused on your clients, not your computer. We’ve built a smart, streamlined Electronic Health Record (EHR) system designed to make documentation efficient. You will capture your client’s hard work and justify their care quickly and accurately—so you can close the laptop and get back to being a steady presence for them.

Who You Are

Empathy is your superpower, but you also know that true help requires strong professional boundaries.

• Credentialed (or Ready to Be): You hold a High School diploma/GED and possess an active MHRT/1, MHRT/1P, MHRT/C, or Provisional Certification.
• Ready to Grow: Your current qualifications will define your starting path, but we offer massive growth opportunities! If you start as an MHRT/1 providing DLSS, we will train and support you to grow into an SDS role.
• Experienced: You have a background (or strong interest) in behavioral health, psychology, social work, or human services.
• Clear for Duty: You can successfully pass criminal, APS/CPS, and sex offender background checks.
• Mobile & Ready: You have a valid Maine Driver’s License, a clean driving record, and the physical agility to navigate diverse home environments and New England weather.

Flexibility & Unbeatable Benefits

Whether you are a recent grad starting your behavioral health career, a retiree looking to stay active and give back, or someone seeking a fulfilling side-job, we have a schedule that fits your life.

For our Full-Time team members, we offer a premier benefits package to take care of you so you can take care of our community:

• FREE Employee Health Insurance (Yes, we cover the premium!)
• Comprehensive Dental Insurance
• Employer-Paid Short-Term (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Regular company outings and a workplace that genuinely likes to laugh and support one another.

Step into the community and start making an impact. Apply today!