Resident Assistant - Standby

HOUSING FORWARD•Oak Park, IL

About The Position

The standby position does not have a set schedule or assigned hours. Employees are scheduled on an as-needed basis and are compensated only for hours worked. A minimum 50% response rate to work requests is required. When feasible, employees will receive 4 to 8 hours' notice; however, advance notice is not guaranteed. This is a part-time position and shall not exceed 25 hours per week. The Resident Assistant is responsible for the overall safety and well-being of clients in Interim Housing and building security. The Resident Assistant is also responsible for answering calls, making hourly safety checks and some housekeeping of the building. This position requires professional interactions, distribution of basic supplies and cooperating with other staff and volunteers.

Requirements

A high school or GED certificate. Previous experience working with vulnerable populations, individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse. Experience in residential care, shelter or group homes a plus.
Demonstrate knowledge of computer software programs and ability to enter alpha and numeric data accurately and efficiently. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, SharePoint preferred.
Commitment to providing a safe, non-judging environment.
Demonstrate active listening, encouragement towards clients while maintaining personal and professional boundaries.
Ability to accept, understand and relate sensitively to people of varied social, economic, racial, cultural, and experiential backgrounds,
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of or a willingness and aptitude to learn the concepts involved with serving low-income families.
Demonstrated ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn key tenants of client confidentiality and commitment to abide by these tenants.
An attention to detail, procedures, processes and policies.
A positive attitude and the ability to be flexible in light of changing job situations and priorities.
Commitment to learning and embrace Housing Forward’s values.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, and lift up to 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

Welcome new clients into the program, including inventorying possessions and checking for unauthorized items.
Interact with clients in the community areas of the building and role model appropriate social skills.
Perform general front desk duties including admitting residents to the facilities that have been approved to return after the curfew.
Provide referrals to individuals seeking assistance after office hours.
Monitor the cameras, hallways, stairways, and external perimeter to ensure safety of clients.
Respond to client issues including emergencies and de-escalate potentially serious situations.
Direct guest to address any or all social service issues to the Interim Housing Manager and assigned Case Manager. This includes issues pertaining to family, self, mental health/emotional, financial, substance abuse, parenting and/or physical needs.
In emergency situations, work with other staff to keep other clients calm and asway from the incident site. If necessary, safely evacuate building.
After curfew, check log and if necessary, rooms to see that all clients are in or otherwise accountable for, (working, authorized leave, etc.)
Coordinate meal distributions to clients.
Assist clients keeping rooms clean.
When client is leaving the program assist with packing and ensure that client dispose of trash and room is clean.
Maintain client confidentiality.
Perform room inspections.
Prepare unusual incident report and/or program violation reports as needed and/or warranted. Distribute to designated personnel.
Complete accurate and timely computer data entry for client information and services.
Assist in processing and storing donations.
Complete daily logs. Ensure building is secure; ensure restricted areas are locked.
Maintain food storage areas by organizing food, removing expired items, and updating inventory.
Provide housekeeping tasks including cleaning community areas, front lobby, storage areas, copy room, including vacuuming, trash removal and restrooms.
Organize and maintain inventory linen and supply closet.
Rotate garbage bins from patio to front of building on assigned days, assist with recycling
Document and report building maintenance issues to the Facilities Manager.
Complete mandatory LMS staff training and attend or complete other training and in-services as designated by supervisor.
Perform other duties as assigned.