Residential Advisor

RINCON FAMILY SERVICES • Chicago, IL

14h • $19 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Advisor (RA) provides direct services to at-risk youth to support their successful transition into the community. The role involves supervising residents, teaching daily living and social skills, implementing schedules and behavior-management plans, providing crisis intervention and group activities, preparing reports, maintaining records, and overseeing residents’ daily living needs. The RA is expected to act professionally and ethically with participants, family members, coworkers, and people outside Rincon Family Service.

The RA monitors residents during assigned shifts, supports program goals and standards, applies policies and safety procedures, facilitates life-skills groups, promotes positive behavior, addresses conflicts, and helps maintain safe, clean, and orderly living spaces. The position also involves transportation of participants as needed, participation in team and supervisory meetings, and collaboration with colleagues and outside partners.

The role is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt, based at a Transitional Living Program location in Chicago, Illinois. Shifts vary and may include 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, 4:00 PM–12:00 AM, or 12:00 PM–8:00 PM. Overtime opportunities may be available.

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• High school diploma required.
• Must undergo an initial medical examination confirming freedom from communicable diseases, including active tuberculosis, and from physical or mental conditions affecting assigned duties; reexamination is required every two years.
• Demonstrated ability to work within an agency structure and program and accept agency supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with other agencies and the community.
• Experience and/or knowledge using computer software for data entry, communication, and report writing.
• Willingness and competence to work respectfully with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license and reliable automobile; driving participants to various destinations is required.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and writing skills.
• Ability to complete rounds every 45 minutes, including climbing two flights of stairs.
• Ability to work assigned shifts and other shifts as needed.
• Must be able to speak English.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, listen to and understand their concerns, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to create a positive environment and foster positive relationships and a sense of community among residents.
• Understanding of the relationship between trauma and behavior.
• Ability to balance resident concerns, organized events, and administrative tasks.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions, including during emergencies and conflicts.
• Ability to relate to coworkers and understand facility policies, procedures, safety hazards, and emergency procedures.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor assigned residents’ whereabouts and activities during the scheduled shift.
• Maintain current knowledge through mandatory training and understand program goals, the RA role, and Transitional Living Program standards.
• Follow agency policies, procedures, protocols, and safety directives.
• Use available program resources and materials to meet participants’ needs.
• Manage resident behavior using approved interventions, enforce rules consistently, and apply appropriate consequences.
• Implement residents’ individual management plans collaboratively and share observations and suggestions with the team.
• Manage daily routines and follow Transitional Living Program schedules.
• Lead life-skills groups according to assigned responsibilities.
• Help participants identify behavioral alternatives and choose appropriate behaviors.
• Address and resolve conflicts between participants and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Monitor the safety, cleanliness, and order of Transitional Living Program units and maintain surroundings that reduce safety risks.
• Monitor participant behavior to ensure they are not a danger to themselves, other residents, or staff, and respond to unsafe situations.
• Provide transportation for participants as needed and within program guidelines.
• Serve as a positive, stable role model and authority figure, and establish caring, positive relationships with participants.
• Consider cultural factors that may affect clients or their participation in services.
• Participate regularly in team meetings, supervisory sessions, and other program meetings.
• Build positive working relationships with team members, other staff, and outside contacts involved with residents, and assist colleagues as needed.
• Assist new Residential Advisors with on-the-job training skills.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Paid time off accrual of up to 21 days in Year 1, with some carryover permitted.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits.

What This Job Offers

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