Resident Assistant

Victory Programs Inc • Boston, MA

28d • Onsite

About The Position

The Resident Assistant is responsible for managing and maintaining the residence, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for residents, and supporting staff and the Program’s daily operations. The position reports to the Program Director or their designee for supervision and support.

The role is based at Victory Programs’ new EA Family Shelter Priority Support Site programs in Dorchester. These programs provide safe, temporary congregate shelter for 18–22 high-risk families referred by EOHLC who enter the State’s EA shelter system with a Temporary Verification Waiver. Families may stay for up to 45 days while obtaining documentation needed to complete the full EA Shelter Application. The Program also provides intensive case management, benefits navigation, housing counseling, crisis stabilization, healthcare access, nutritious culturally appropriate food, clothing, hygiene products, transportation, and household essentials. When eligible, families are supported in transitioning to a bridge- or rapid-track shelter in the state EA program.

The position is part-time, on-site, and scheduled Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff are required to remain awake for the entire shift. The rate is $22.28 per hour.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races and ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, sexes, drug cultures, ages, religions, countries of origin, disabilities, and economic statuses.
• Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of or openness to Addiction/Recovery and Harm Reduction Practices/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 relate to residents in a helpful, directive, and compassionate manner.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as part of a professional team.
• CPR certification, which may be obtained upon hire.
• Completed TB screening, which 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 the Emergency Assistance (EA) Program, including the EA application process and common barriers low-income residents face when accessing shelter.
• Familiarity with HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, sexually transmitted infections, sex work, and related health and social issues.
• 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

• Maintain the residence in good repair, orderly condition, and free of hazards; ensure fire safety standards are met.
• Coordinate incoming families’ arrivals and provide a welcoming, dignified orientation to house rules, program expectations, and local resources.
• Conduct initial household screenings and intakes and complete preliminary needs assessments in coordination with Case Managers.
• Enforce policies and procedures that maintain a safe and appropriate residential environment while promoting a healthy, supportive, and inclusive community.
• Facilitate recreational, cultural, community, and youth programming on-site as directed.
• Coordinate with Case Managers to gather, process, review, and properly file client documentation needed for EA shelter applications.
• Build relationships and use Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, motivational interviewing, and conflict de-escalation as needed in the milieu space.
• Coordinate family departures, including organizing belongings, arranging transportation, confirming destination directions, and ensuring materials are ready for a smooth transition.
• 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 linens, 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 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.
• Participate in and support agency events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, walks, and other functions.
• Perform other duties or tasks requested by the supervisor or their designee.
• Remain awake for the entire shift.
• Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence and Philosophy of Care, including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries, and client confidentiality.

Benefits

• Employer contribution of 75% of health insurance premiums and 25% of dental insurance premiums.
• Employer-paid disability and 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 according to full-time or part-time status, and vacation allocation increases with length of employment.

What This Job Offers

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