Residential Assistant (1st shift)

Alpharus Health • Chicago, IL

4d • $16 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider that delivers substance use and mental health treatment. Residential Assistants help maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for patients by monitoring behavior, supporting daily routines and treatment engagement, documenting observations, and communicating relevant concerns to the appropriate staff. The role also involves transporting patients to approved destinations, assisting with administrative tasks and structured activities, and collecting specimens or administering screenings as permitted by policy and training.

The position is located at 1706 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647. The work schedule is Sunday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Compensation ranges from $16.20 to $18.00 per hour. Starting rates depend on experience, qualifications, and relevant skills; annual performance reviews are conducted, with merit-increase eligibility based on employee and organizational performance.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years old to operate company vehicles.
• Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record, and meet company and insurance driver eligibility requirements.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and consistently enforce program rules and expectations.
• Ability to interact with patients compassionately, respectfully, and in a recovery-oriented manner.
• Strong observation, communication, documentation, and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods while supervising and interacting with patients.
• Ability to observe and assess patient behavior, including changes in physical condition or safety risks.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with patients, staff, and external parties.
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergencies or crises, including using de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and complete documentation using electronic systems.
• Ability to drive and travel locally to transport patients and attend meetings as required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.

Nice To Haves

• Related experience in the behavioral field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and monitor behavior to help ensure safety and adherence to program guidelines.
• Promptly report incidents, behavioral concerns, medical issues, or missing patients to appropriate staff.
• Document observations and patient interactions according to policy.
• Supervise and participate in daily patient activities and routines.
• Conduct regular bed checks and patient counts according to policy and procedures.
• Assist with check-ins, reinforce rules, and encourage treatment engagement.
• Support a structured and therapeutic environment.
• Provide the treatment team with input regarding patient behavior, progress, and concerns.
• Help maintain consistency in behavioral expectations and interventions.
• Coordinate and drive patients to appointments, work, school, or approved activities.
• Perform basic administrative tasks, including phones, filing, documentation support, and scheduling as needed.
• Support patient events and structured activities.
• Assist with educational groups or activities under supervision and in accordance with state regulations.
• Collect specimens and administer screenings, such as urine tests or breathalyzers, as permitted by policy and training.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums.
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 3% employer match.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance, and life and AD&D insurance paid for by Alpharus Health.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• 18 paid time off days per year, with accrual rates increasing with years of service.
• 9 paid company holidays.
• Training and development programs.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year.
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEUs and job-related training.
• Formal and informal clinical supervision.

What This Job Offers

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