Residential Specialist - Residential Services (Missoula, MT)

Aware•Missoula, MT

About The Position

AWARE is seeking a Residential Specialist to provide high-quality, compassionate support to individuals in a residential setting in Missoula, Montana. The role helps individuals build functional independence and personal growth, participate in meaningful activities, develop coping skills, and become active members of their communities. Support is provided in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment, guided by AWARE’s Unconditional Care Philosophy and a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach. The Residential Specialist works with the Residential Manager and other team members to support residents’ daily living, care plans, documentation, household needs, and community participation. The position may also assist with medication distribution, transportation, and coordination of family connections when assigned. The role requires completion of specified training upon hire.

Requirements

At least three years of experience, and/or an associate degree in a Human Services field; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in any field and at least two years of appropriate, related Human Services experience.
Ability to implement individual support plans under AWARE’s Unconditional Care Philosophy, with knowledge of behavioral techniques, interventions, skill-building techniques, and the emotional and behavioral needs of individuals in the residence.
Computer literacy, including the ability to navigate and record information in performance-based software and an electronic medical records system.
Interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills to work as a team member, make and accurately report observations, learn resident care methods, and follow oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with individuals to assess their strengths and daily-living skills, and support them in identifying and participating in meaningful activities that promote independence and personal growth.
Respond empathetically to personal challenges or conflicts, provide therapeutic guidance, and offer alternatives that build resilience and positive coping strategies.
Report to the Residential Manager and identify missing documentation, client issues, and staff issues.
Assist the Residential Manager with scheduling, interviews, training, and other related matters, as well as other tasks as needed.
Read the Day Program Communication Log daily and communicate issues to the Residential Manager.
Check daily documentation, including Treatment Plans, Clinical Notes, Staff Notes, Communication Logs, and Structured Leisure Activities.
Ensure an appropriate weekly menu is posted and meals are properly prepared.
Organize structured group activities daily.
Provide attentive supervision and companionship during daily activities, including work, recreation, and community outings.
Assist with hygiene, meal preparation and mealtimes, laundry, household chores, and maintaining a safe, welcoming living space while respecting each person’s dignity and preferences.
Plan, accompany, participate in, and oversee community and group recreational, leisure, vocational, and educational activities.
Implement and follow Individual Treatment Plans, Behavior Management Plans, Independent Living Plans, and Personal Support Plans in a trauma-informed manner.
Observe, report, and document individuals’ physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being in daily logs, critical incident reports, and AWARE’s Electronic Medical Records System.
Shop for residence and individual needs as directed, prioritizing choices that support autonomy.
Assist with phone calls and family visits when assigned.
Assist with medication distribution programs when assigned, following safety protocols.
Transport individuals to and from work, recreational activities, appointments, and other destinations when necessary.
Use trauma-informed de-escalation techniques, including H.E.L.P.; use therapeutic holds only when necessary for safety and prioritize least restrictive interventions.
Provide basic First Aid/CPR if needed.
Attend and participate in mandatory training, in-services, staff meetings, and committees as assigned.
Complete and pass required training upon hire, including H.E.L.P. (de-escalation and therapeutic holds), Medication Certification, First Aid/CPR, Blood Borne Pathogens, SHED Safety, Safe Vehicle Operations, SDS, HIPAA, Professional Caregiver, AWARE’s Behavioral Competency (ABC), Client/Employee Health and Safety, and Behavior Intervention Skills.
Use and accurately record data in AWARE’s Electronic Medical Records System and Balanced Score Card Performance system as trained, maintain confidentiality, and use empowering documentation.