Job Description

Green Care Clinician (GCC) 

R.O.O.T.S. Program at Evergreen Grove 

Supporting youth through connection, compassion, and the healing power of nature. 

R.O.O.T.S. stands for Resilient ~ Optimistic ~ Open-Minded ~ Thriving ~ Serene, and serves adolescents and young adults ages 12–24 who are experiencing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or who are at risk. 

The Green Care Clinician delivers therapeutic services in a unique, nature-based environment at Evergreen Grove, a livestock rescue and therapeutic farm in Gardner, MA. This setting—also home to the Carl E. Dahl House—allows participants to heal through connection with animals, nature, and the land, while receiving evidence-based clinical care. 

Green Care practices may include animal-assisted interventions, care farming, ecotherapy, building human-animal relationships, and nature-based experiential activities. 

This role represents GAAMHA’s commitment to innovation, dignity, community integration, real impact, and shared accountability—supporting youth in ways that strengthen resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation. 

Position Overview 

The Green Care Clinician provides clinical assessment, treatment, counseling, case management, and crisis support in a non-traditional therapeutic environment. This role blends evidence-based practices with nature-based, animal-assisted modalities while maintaining a strong focus on safety—for both clients and animals. 
The GCC is a key member of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating across programs to support participants’ recovery and emotional wellness. 

Key Responsibilities 

Clinical & Program Responsibilities 

• Coordinate and deliver all service elements for program participants, including intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, consultation, and record keeping. 

• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with Department of Public Health, BSAS, and GAAMHA standards. 

• Participate in staff meetings, multidisciplinary team discussions, and other required meetings. 

• Protect client confidentiality and adhere to all applicable regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2. 

• Represent GAAMHA and R.O.O.T.S. at Evergreen Grove in a manner consistent with the agency’s values, professionalism, and mission. 

• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

Animal-Assisted & Green Care Services 

• Prioritize animal welfare by ensuring animals willingly engage in therapeutic interactions rather than merely tolerating them. 

• Continuously assess animal behavior before, during, and after sessions to monitor wellbeing and adapt the environment as needed. 

• Deliver evidence-based therapy in partnership with animals, integrating nature-based and care-farming modalities into treatment. 

• Connect client goals and therapeutic objectives to human-animal interactions in meaningful, clinically relevant ways. 

• Assess session impact on both the client and the animal to ensure safety, comfort, and therapeutic effectiveness. 

• Respond effectively and calmly to signs of animal stress, taking appropriate action to ensure safety for all participants. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling or a closely related field, or an active CADC or LADC. 

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with youth or young adults with substance use and mental health disorders. 

• Familiarity with, and commitment to, multiple pathways to recovery, including MAT/MOUD. 

• Preferred experience in Animal-Assisted Services, Equine Therapy, care farming, or working with livestock/farm animals. 

• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply. 

• Excellent oral, written, and relational communication skills. 

• Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work effectively in a team setting. 

• Must comply with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 requirements. 

• Proficiency in MS Office and basic computer skills required. 

• Valid driver’s license required. 

• Candidates with lived experience must have at least 2 years of continuous sobriety. 

Supervision 

• Supervision Given: None 

• Supervision Received: Reports to the R.O.O.T.S. Program Director 

Why GAAMHA? 
At GAAMHA, you won’t just be doing case management—you’ll be creating real impact in the lives of families who are working to heal and grow. You’ll be part of a team that values shared accountability, leads with empathy, and brings hope to every interaction. We don’t believe in the flashy solution—we believe in what works. 

 
Work schedule varies as needed.

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