Residential Assistant

Sacramento Children's Home • Sacramento, CA

52d • $22 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve. OVERVIEW: The Residential Assistant provides an efficient food service operation for the Short Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) ensuring the meal program is operated according to all State and Federal guidelines. This position is responsible for the purchasing, organizing and maintaining the clothing, household supplies and personal hygiene products for the STRTP. This position also acts in the capacity of a Residential Counselor while providing direct supervision within the two STRTP cottages. This includes transporting residents to and from school and appointments as well as supporting them in assisting the RA with various tasks.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) is required, AND
• A Bachelor’s degree in any field; or
• A valid Child Development Teaching Permit; or
• Completion of 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education, Adolescent Development, Foster and Kinship Care Education or Psychology; or
• A valid certificate as an Alcohol Counselor, Drug Counselor or Alcohol and Drug Counselor; or
• A valid Vocational Training certificate, credential or documentation demonstrating that the individual is a trade journeyperson who instructs children in vocational skills (and at least 100 hours of experience working with children or adults as a mentor, athletic coach, teacher, vocational coach, tutor, counselor, caregiver within a residential setting or other relevant experience as determined by Community Care Licensing which can be obtained after hire); or
• Previous employment as a full-time employee or volunteer at a group home, short-term residential therapeutic center, or substance abuse treatment program for at least one year; or
• Relevant life experience in the child welfare, mental health or juvenile justice system as a consumer, mentor, or caregiver, or life experience with children who have experienced high levels of trauma
• Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment. A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of children served in a children’s residential setting.
• Skill and ability to engage and develop rapport with children who have various backgrounds.
• Skill and ability to provide consistency and behavioral limits through relationship-based interventions.
• Skills to communicate effectively with the ability to solve problems in a collaborative manner.
• Able to read, write, speak and understand the English language.
• Ability to perform housekeeping tasks, including but not limited to cleaning, washing clothes, preparing meals, ironing, etc.
• Skill to instruct, direct, counsel, and encourage individuals and groups of children.
• Skill to communicate effectively in written form.
• Skill to listen attentively to residents, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Skill to plan and organize multiple tasks at one time.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics, including addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, in order to assist residents with homework, preparing meals, distributing medication, etc.
• Ability to relate with children in a nurturing and respectful manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries with children and families.
• Ability to work cooperatively with a culturally diverse resident population and work force.
• Ability to work with community and outside agencies in a collaborative and cooperative manner.
• Able to report to work on a regular and reliable basis.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of medications and their reactions is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic Microsoft Word is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintains an adequate supply of food, clothing, linens, and household items for the residential program via shopping and receiving donations.
• Ensures a sufficient food inventory is maintained per CCL regulations, including emergency supplies.
• Establishes, organizes, and maintains current cycle menus using Food Guidelines, cultural preferences, and input from Resident Council meetings.
• Prepares and distributes the current and following week’s menus to the Cottages.
• Receives, fills, and documents the various order forms submitted weekly/monthly to ensure supplies are adequate.
• Prepares items for all new residents.
• Regularly checks the cottages' supply inventories.
• Assists residents in the proper selection of clothing from central supply.
• Works collaboratively with the Clinical Program Manager, Cottage Supervisors and Lead Residential Counselors regarding filling clothing requests.
• Maintains work area in an organized fashion to facilitate the distribution of clothing and other supplies.
• Maintains binders to track all orders filled and supplies handed out.
• Ensure the safety of the residents at all times consistent with agency standards of supervision.
• Assist the children in the performance of regular daily activities, including bed making, personal hygiene, room cleaning, and all other chores normally expected of children their ages.
• Provide a caring, warm, consistent environment for the children through setting clear boundaries, supporting, encouraging, and giving verbal praise and acknowledgment to children for positive actions and decisions to help build self-esteem, age appropriate interpersonal skills, positive thinking, problem solving, proper language, coping skills, respect for others and self and brainstorming alternative, appropriate behaviors, etc.
• Work closely and maintain consistent and appropriate communication with all other staff members as apart of a comprehensive treatment team.
• Maintain discipline and group control at all time, reporting any unresolved conflicts to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain and follow the daily structure, routines, activities in a timely manner.
• Use Love and Logic approach and techniques in daily interaction with children.
• Provide Trauma Informed Care by using knowledge of the effects of trauma on child development and behavior
• Use Crisis Management techniques including restraints when necessary as learned per Pro-Act to ensure the safety of staff and residents.
• Prepare and serve attractive, well-balanced meals and snacks per approved menu at the time indicated on the daily schedule.
• Maintain a pleasant and cheerful mealtime atmosphere and dine with the children during mealtimes, modeling appropriate behavior and, table manners.
• Ensure that children are properly dressed for various occasions and see that their clothing is appropriately cleaned and maintained.
• Distribute medication for residents’ self-administration, in accordance with Agency standards and procedures as assigned.
• Provide transportation for children as directed by a supervisor in accordance with agency transport policy.
• Clean and maintain cottages in an orderly condition in accordance with Title 22 regulations.
• Complete written documentation per residential program requirements and in compliance with agency policy and training.
• Attend and participate in team meetings to be aware of and facilitate the development and application of Needs and Services treatment plans for each child
• Attend and utilize all training that is provided in compliance with Community Care Licensing (CCL) requirements.
• Ensure accurate recording of worked hours and notify a supervisor of any discrepancies in a timely manner and in accordance with agency guidelines.
• Attends required trainings during the year.
• Attends required staff meetings, as assigned.
• Conducts Residential staff training on food and clothing.
• Mends and repairs clients’ personal clothing and Halloween costumes as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development and career advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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