Massachusetts Jobs

MDAR's mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers. MassGrown Wellness is a program developed by MDAR to provide information and resources on mental health and wellness for the Commonwealth’s agricultural community to address the current mental health and wellness gaps that exist within the state, and expand the availability of resources to farmers, state staff, service providers, and partner organizations. * *General Statement of Duties: * TheMassGrown Wellness Program Counselor reports to the Commissioner’s Office in the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) andwill play a significant role and be apoint of contact for Massachusetts farmers and their supporters for mental health and wellness outreach, counseling, and referral. The Counselor will be available to discuss ways to address mental health and wellness challenges and offer guidance and access to resources. The MassGrown Wellness Program Counselor will understand the unique stressors and situations farmers are experiencing, and be familiar with the available resources, including those developed by the MassGrown Wellness program. *Contract Duration:Not to exceed 1 year. Schedule: This is a part-time position for 20-25 hours per week. The contract position will be based upon a hybrid model, with primary work taking place remotely and some in-person meetings as required. Consideration will be given to applicant’s current location. Detailed Statement of Duties: * The MassGrown Wellness Program Counselor will coordinate their efforts with MDAR staff, the FRSAN-SDA grant project coordinator, partner organizations, peer support network leadership, and Massachusetts’s agricultural community members to address the mental health and wellness needs of the Commonwealth’s farmers, ranchers, and fisheries. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: · Work closely with MDAR Commissioner’s Office and MassGrown Wellness team to enhance the outreach and services developed by MDAR. · Lead community engagement by working with partner organizations, peer support network members and MDAR staff via email, social media, and in-field events. · Receive and respond to communications (telephone, email, text, social media) from Massachusetts farmers, partner organizations, peer support network team members, and MDAR staff focused on reported mental health and wellness concerns. · Act as primary point of contact for farmers, peer support network members, partner organizations and MDAR staff on agriculture related mental health and wellness. · Converse with callers in an empathetic manner and build rapport. · Provide counseling in the primary areas of anxiety and depression, but may also include grief, domestic violence, relationship difficulties, parent-child problems, diverse community concerns or serious mental health and wellness including but not limited to substance abuse. · Serve as a crisis intervention specialist who is ready to listen, provide emotional support, or provide mental health and wellness resources. · Make referrals and connections between farmers and health care practitioners, service providers and resources. · Escalate any farmer questions and / or concerns to emergency services as required. · Review all existing peer-to-peer support training materials developed by MassGrown Wellness and become proficient in the approach, techniques, and active listening skills to assist Massachusetts farmers and their supporters. · Complete mandatory reporting including, as needed, reporting of abuse and/or neglect of children, the elderly or the disabled. · Initiate referrals for Substance Abuse treatment, coordination · Provides regular status reports on communications, counseling, and community outreach to MDAR team leadership. · Assist the Fiscal team in assuring that expenditure supports program objectives. · Develop plans and course of action for continued support of established partner organization and peer support network programs to expand services and outreach based on feedback from stakeholders, interactions with farmers and their supporters and suggest modifications of MassGrown Wellness programs to meets the evolving needs of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. · Other duties as assigned. * * *Project Management: · The Counselor will also collaborate with subcontractors and agricultural stakeholders to assist with education and outreach of the MassGrown Wellness Program and its resources. Provide regular and detailed outreach and community development progress updates to MDAR including budget updates and performance metrics. Outreach: · Support MDAR programs and efforts by assisting with Department objectives, including event coordination and attendance, media outreach (newsletters, email, social media and web-based) and development of mental health and wellness resources and services. * * First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. Minimum Qualifications Required: · Studies in psychology, social work, communications, or health related field preferred. · A demonstrated history of ongoing professional development and growth. · Evidence of working effectively and collaboratively with colleagues · Solid computer and basic technology skills. · Demonstrated experience with basiccare navigation processes, to provide the caller with information that is relevant to their situation and needs. · Ability to coordinate activities and events that promote mental health and wellness for the Massachusetts agricultural community farmer, the farm, and its supporters. · Knowledge of alternate self-care techniques including meditation, mindfulness, nutrition, and yoga. · Strong communication and writing skills are essential. · Ability to effectively communicate in writing and orally. · Ability to read, understand, and relay relevant information in an engaging and easy to navigate and understand manner to members of the Commonwealth’s farmers, MDAR staff and key stakeholders. Preferred Qualifications: · At least two years of demonstrated experience in treatment of trauma, anxiety, and depression in children and adults. · Familiarity with the Massachusetts agricultural community and the challenges facing today’s farmers and their supporters. · Advanced studies in mental health counseling or related fields. · Currently licensed or license eligible. · Ability to offer mental health and wellness support to a culturally diverse community. · Good organizational skills and comfort working in a team-based, collaborative setting. · Bilingual is a plus but not required. · Participate in continuing education to remain knowledgeable in area of expertise and to meet licensure renewal requirements. · Complete all paperwork, including clinical notes, in a timely manner. · Awareness of, or experience with, mental health and wellness outreach and resources. · The ideal candidate will have experience, an education or a strong interest in subjects relating to food and agricultural businesses. *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! 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. Job: Administrative Services* *Organization: Department of Agricultural Resources *Title: *MassGrown Wellness Program Counselor Contractor * Location: *Massachusetts-225 Turnpike Road-Southborough Requisition ID: 240006D0