Position Description:
Residential Services Specialist (RSS) I & II
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Lead Residential Services Specialist, the RSS I and RSS II are responsible for effectively monitoring Friends of Guest House facility operations and resident movement activities during assigned shifts. Residential Services Specialists ensure a safe, positive, manageable environment and successful continuation of services by working directly with residents, other staff, interns, volunteers and community partners.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintains resident privacy, security and confidentiality according to agency guidelines.
- Models a caring, concerned, and respectful attitude toward residents.
- Maintains positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters positive relationships with residents, co-workers, supervisors, interns, volunteers, community partners and the general public.
- Complies with all Friends of Guest House and DOC policies and procedures.
- Reads log book and SLACK from previous shift to note/address any items requiring attention. Provide timely communication of information (i.e., in person and via the interoffice social media platform, phone calls, text messages, emails, etc.)
- Provide desk coverage for scheduled shift, answering and routing calls or recording messages according to agency procedures. Ensures the entry of all guests, volunteers, and resident visitors meets protocol and is documented according to agency policy.
- Follows security protocols including conduction of bag checks and metal detector wanding for residents returning from outside of the facility, and visitors as needed.
- Maintains a consistent presence throughout the facility during scheduled shift, by remaining visible and interacting regularly with residents to ensure your awareness of the activities going on in all residential and staff areas in order to maintain control and assure safety of clients and staff in building and on grounds.
- Supports the RSS Lead in providing details to Case Managers and Program Director regarding residents’ personal needs, behavior and service planning.
- Serves as a positive role model for residents, utilize active listening to support residents to problem solve, prompt utilization of coping skills, etc., in the absence of the Case Managers.
- Ensures residents are following schedule of activities approved by Case Managers.
- Maintains adherence to staff guidelines and upholds program procedures.
- Supports the agency protocols and guidelines regarding residents’ medication self administration.
- Conducts breathalyzer and drug urine screens as needed and as required.
- Issues supplies (e.g., bed linens, toiletries, etc.,) to residents in accordance with established procedures.
- Supports RSS Lead in supervision and documentation of residents’ chores and upkeep of their personal areas, providing training as needed and informing RSS Lead, Program Coordinator, Program Director, and Case Managers of any problems.
- Assist with training for chores.
- Maintains organization and cleanliness of the Residential Services office and additional facility spaces as needed.
- Assists with resident and program activities as assigned.
- Receives, secures and accounts for all donations received during scheduled shift, controlling resident access and issuing receipts to donors.
- Monitors meal times, supports with resident skill-building by assisting with meal preparation when needed.
- Supports RSS Lead in ensuring accurate and timely completion of all required documentation related to resident compliance with all FOGH and partnering agencies policies and procedures in appropriate logs and online/computer based records of resident activities.
- documentation of property inventory of residents.
- Records daily statistics of attendance (i.e. resident head counts, bed checks and comprehensive room searches according to DOC and Friends of Guest House agency policies and procedures.
- Supports RSS Lead in ensuring accurate and timely completion of all required activities and documentation related to agency (FOGH) compliance with all partnering agencies policies and procedures in appropriate logs and online/computer based records of resident activities.
- Incident reports
- Medication & UA/BA Logs (Meds Safety)
- Emergency Preparedness Drills (Fire safety)
- Refrigerator/Freezer temps (Food Safety)
- Conducts regular walk-through of program facility and grounds, documenting and reporting facility maintenance issues according to agency guidelines.
- Communicates all emergency/urgent situations to appropriate staff (including the on-call team outside of regular office hours).
- Supports the maintenance of supply inventory and replenishes supplies as needed.
- Participates in all staff meetings, trainings, special events and other agency activities as assigned.
- Transports residents in agency vehicles as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned or necessary to ensure efficient and effective program and facility operations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- HS Diploma or GED
- At least 2 years’ experience working in a human services setting assisting at-risk populations with histories of addiction, mental illness, homelessness, domestic violence, severe trauma, etc. (Preferred)
- At least 2 years’ experience working in a residential transitional program, halfway house, shelter, etc. (Preferred)
- High degree of integrity and ethical standards
- Must be able to successfully pass a background check
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Works flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and overnights as assigned.
- Knowledge of criminal justice system. Experience with justice involved persons preferred
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care helpful
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving with ability to recognize problems and take corrective actions as determined by agency and program policies and procedures
- Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgement and to respond with discretion under varying conditions.
- Great interpersonal skills that inspires respect and trust
- Ability to work effectively with people of diverse educational, social, political, religious and cultural backgrounds,
- Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions
- Ability to provide crisis intervention, de-escalation and management
- Strong organizational skills with an ability to multi-task and maintain detailed records
- Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook), internet research and e-mail
- Team player with a “can do” attitude
- Professional, energetic and enthusiastic with a strong desire to work with FOGH population
- Ability to positively represent Friends of Guest House at all times.
REQUIRED TRAINING, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- CPR Certification (Must be obtained within 30 days of working)
- First Aid certification(Must be obtained within 30 days of working)
- PREA Training (Must be obtained within 30 days of working)
- NARCAN Training (Must be obtained within 30 days of working)
- RSS II – 32 hour medication Training (To be obtained during first six months of working)
- RSS II – CSAC-A (To be obtained during first six months of working)
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, PRN
Pay: $16.00 - $23.00 per hour
Expected hours: 15 – 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid orientation
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 10 hour shift
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Every weekend
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Night shift
- On call
- Overnight shift
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Caregiving: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CPR, first-aid, AED Certification (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Alexandria, VA (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Alexandria, VA: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person