Resident Support Specialist at the Lighthouse Women's Residence

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Rate: $16 per hour

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The RSS will assist in maintaining a stable and therapeutic environment in: Assists residents in learning community integration, provides exposure to supportive services and encourages participation in social, educational, vocational, psychiatric, and rehabilitative activities. Assists in household management tasks such as preparation of meals or housekeeping tasks. Oversees clients engaged in household tasks. Provides transportation for and supervision of clients who leave the facility.

If assigned to night duty, the RSS is responsible for supervision of the facility and enforcement of program rules under direction of the on-call management team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

·  Facilitate peer mentoring, support and encouragement

·  Coordination of social and recreational activities

·  Oversee clients with kitchen and laundry room use

·  Assist with household chores when needed

·  Assist with meal preparation, if needed

·  Available to work holidays and weekends

·  Schedule and assigned duties are subject to change based on the needs of the program and the clients we serve.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Must possess the ability to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and maintain respect for client rights and personal preferences in treatment. 
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Must possess knowledge of community resources.
  • Ability to tolerate stressful and/or ambiguous work situations.
  • Ability to maintain flexible work schedule, especially nights, weekends and holidays
  • Comfortable working within potentially unsafe environments.
  • Ability to identify potential crisis situations, convey this information to supervisor in a timely and appropriate manner, and follow through with directions.
  • Ability to maintain BestSelf HIPAA confidentiality guidelines
  • Must be able to stoop, bend and lift up to 30 lbs frequently
  • Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to climb stairs frequently

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associates degree or equivalent in human service field and one year in a human service agency

OR

  • High school diploma or equivalency and two years full time paid experience in a human service agency or health care facility.

AND

  • A valid NYS drivers' license
  • Must have Accredited NYS Defensive driving course; or obtain within 15 days of hire.
  • Must maintain Active NYS Defensive Driving class every 3 years, upon expiration.