Awake Overnight Low Threshold Housing Resident Assistant

Victory Programs Inc • Boston, MA

26d • Onsite

About The Position

The Awake Overnight Low Threshold Housing Resident Assistant is responsible for the overall management and maintenance of the residence, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for residents, and supporting staff and daily program operations. The role is based at Willows, a harm reduction, low threshold transitional shelter program in Boston for women experiencing homelessness, substance use or opioid overdose risk, and health or mental health conditions, who may also face multiple barriers to housing. The Resident Assistant reports to the Program Director or their designee for support and supervision. Staff must remain awake for the entire shift.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Sunday through Thursday, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., and is on site. The rate is $22.28 per hour. The role includes maintaining a safe, orderly residence; supporting residents through relationship building and crisis de-escalation; completing shift documentation and safety checks; assisting with household and administrative tasks; and collaborating with staff to provide client-centered services.

Requirements

• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex and drug cultures, age groups, religion, country of origin, disability, and economic status.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of or openness to addiction and recovery and harm reduction practices or philosophy, or willingness to acquire this knowledge within the first six months of employment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to have open and affirming conversations.
• Ability to work with and relate to residents in a helpful, directive, and compassionate manner.
• CPR certification; may be obtained upon hire.
• Completed TB screening; may be obtained upon hire.
• Three work-related professional references, at least two of which must be from a manager or supervisor.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with families, parents, and youth experiencing housing instability and trauma.
• Previous experience in nonviolent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and milieu management.
• Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, STIs, and sex work, as well as health-related social issues faced by people who use drugs.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a professional team.
• Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and other databases.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and safe driving points of 00, 98, 99, 01, 02, or 03.

Responsibilities

• Follow Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence and Philosophy of Care, including professional ethics, boundaries, and client confidentiality.
• Maintain the residence in good repair and order, free of hazards, and ensure fire safety standards are met.
• Enforce policies and procedures that maintain a safe and appropriate residential environment while promoting a healthy, supportive, inclusive community.
• Build relationships with residents and use Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, motivational interviewing, and conflict de-escalation as needed in the milieu.
• Accurately document observations, encounters, incidents, and client engagements during the shift.
• Support inventory of client belongings.
• Assist with storage and inventory of food, household supplies, and linen supplies, including collection, distribution, and laundering as directed.
• Assist with daily office and administrative functions, including filing, phone coverage, reception, and maintenance of house records.
• Communicate facility and organizational information to management and peer staff through oral and written shift reports, daily logs, and incident reports as required.
• Attend supervision, staff meetings, clinical team meetings, and professional development training and workshops as requested.
• Conduct scheduled safety, security, and wellness rounds or checks to ensure residents’ well-being.
• Work collaboratively with the team to provide client-centered services.
• Remain awake for the entire shift.
• Participate in and support program events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, walks, and other agency functions.
• Perform other duties or tasks requested by the supervisor or their designee.

Benefits

• Employer contribution of 75% of health insurance premiums.
• Employer contribution of 25% of dental insurance premiums.
• Employer-paid disability insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick, and personal time, as well as holidays.
• Upon hire, staff are entitled to up to 4 personal days, 160 sick hours, 10 holidays, and 3 1/2 weeks of vacation; amounts adjust based on full-time or part-time status, and allocated vacation time increases with length of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED