Residential Support Specialist - Community Human Services

Residential Support Specialist

Job Classification: Non-Exempt    $19 p/hr 

Position Overview
The Residential Support Specialist (RSS) provides direct care and supportive services in a respectful manner to residents in the CHS Residential programs. The RSS is also expected to work with and communicate directly with other staff members supportively and cooperatively, complete required documentation, manage crisis situations, and attend required training programs. The RSS may also be required to assist with regular upkeep of the work site. The RSS is cross-trained on all residential programs and may work across all residential sites as needed. CHS uses the Housing First and Harm Reduction service delivery models, assisting clients with housing as the immediate need without requirements to abstain from any harmful behavior prior to being housed.

Mission
CHS empowers individuals and families to live in stable housing, connect to community resources, build relationships, and access quality food.

Values
Advocacy, Equity, Quality, Respect, Relevance.

Key Responsibilities
• Develop a professional and therapeutic relationship with residents.
• Maintain and model appropriate personal boundaries.
• Provide case management to residents regarding their goals, needs, and interests. Provide individuals with guidance regarding decision-making and goal planning.
• Follow communication protocol and address complaints, behavioral problems, etc. promptly.
• Collaborate with the Housing and Employment Coordinators to develop individualized goal plans with the residents to set short-term and long-term goals for housing and employment and ensure goals are being met.
• Assist with planning and coordinating life skills workshops and training sessions on topics such as budgeting, meal planning, household management, conflict resolution, communication skills, and tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Facilitate opportunities for residents to connect with local community resources, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and employment services.
• Complete required written documentation in a timely manner. This includes incident reports, progress notes, goal record sheets, and other case record forms. Ensure that progress notes include the individual behaviors, activities, goal progress, any changes, daily interactions, needs, strengths, etc. to provide a thorough overview and ongoing log.
• Provide individualized coaching and support to help residents develop essential life skills and increase self-sufficiency.
• Complete data entry of information into the agency database and any funder-specific site for reporting purposes on a timely basis.
• Understand and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with the agency and program policies and procedures. Identify appropriate procedures for various situations.
• The RSS will be working at a 24/7 residential facility and will be expected to ensure that all state-mandated regulations for coverage are being met. Due to these regulations, an RSS is not permitted to leave the residential site until their relief has arrived and must ensure the required ratios are maintained at all times.
• Maintain the physical site by prompting residents to perform household duties and report any needed facility-related repairs. Assist in cleaning the staff office and common spaces as needed. Ensure health and safety standards are met and maintained. Maintain an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in the office and common spaces.
• Attending necessary training and professional development sessions to enhance agency-wide knowledge. Attend a minimum of 15 hours per calendar year of training.
• Complete all job duties in accordance with the mission and values of CHS.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Through a combination of experience and education, the Residential Advisor will have:

• Pre-employment physical and TB screening with results stating the person is free from communicable disease, at hire and every two years thereafter.
• Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional customer service communication.
• Cultural competence, being able to work effectively with all backgrounds.
• Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations.
• Strong organizational, phone and computer skills.
• A working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience.
• A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong ability to navigate the Internet to familiarize and access various resources.
• Ability to work and travel independently.

High School Diploma required. RSS will be required to obtain a Certified Food Protection Management certificate via an approved source within the first 30 days of employment. Two years’ work experience, or combination of work, education and life experiences approved by the agency and funder. Prefer certification or training in crisis management, mental health, and behavioral health education.

Position Physical Demands:
The RSS will be called upon to engage in physical activity related to general office work, including the capacity to lift up to 15 lbs and stand or sit for extended periods. Also, the ability to walk up and down steps and physical activity related to cooking, cleaning, and general household maintenance.

7a-3p: RSS 
1-Sunday-Thursday
1-Monday-Friday

3p-11p: RSS
1-Sunday-Thursday
1-Monday-Friday
1-Tuesday-Saturday

11p-7a: RSS
1-Sunday-Thursday
1-Monday-Friday
1-Tuesday-Saturday

7a-7p: RSS (Two 12-hour shifts PT)
2-Saturday and Sunday

7p-7a: RSS (Two 12-hour shifts PT)
2-Saturday and Sunday

*This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is not an employment contract. Our company reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

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