Residential Support Specialist

SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)•Sitka, AK

9d•$25 - $30

About The Position

The Residential Support Specialist (RSS) works within SEARHC’s Behavioral Health division, providing direct support to clients in substance use disorder and behavioral health programs. The role helps maintain the safety and security of the facility and residents, and provides supportive engagement, services, and structure to foster a pro-recovery environment. Support may include supervising daily living activities and facilitating recovery-oriented activities and groups. The position requires an understanding of basic interventions used in substance use and mental health treatment, along with communication and conflict-resolution skills for leading life-skills and educational groups and activities. RSS staff must be able to participate in moderate physical recreation that supports recovery. SEARHC Wellness Support Program is a structured housing environment with 24-hour wraparound support. Work schedules vary and may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. As an entry-level direct-service role, the position requires ongoing professional development in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and recovery. Each RSS follows an individualized professional development track and participates in a SEARHC-funded, State of Alaska-approved Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) certificate training program. The role includes monitoring and supporting residents with daily living tasks and treatment objectives; helping residents understand and meet program rules; building therapeutic rapport and using basic counseling skills; coordinating and facilitating treatment and community recovery support; leading recovery-oriented therapeutic, skill-building, and recreational activities; supporting residents’ community participation and self-administration of medications; and collaborating with SEARHC and community partners to maintain safe residential operations. The RSS maintains accurate, timely, confidential records and complies with CFR 42 Part 2, HIPAA, and other applicable confidentiality requirements. The position also involves meetings, training, consultation with other staff on substance-use-related care, and other duties as assigned. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Basic Life Support certification and a food handler’s card are required within three months of hire. A valid State of Alaska driver’s license is required or must be obtained within six months of hire. Candidates must be at least 21 years old. The role requires teamwork, effective verbal and written communication, accurate documentation, basic outdoor recreational skills, and the ability to follow a professional development plan and agency procedures. Pay range: $25.00–$30.04.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Basic Life Support certification required within three months of hire.
Food handler’s card required within three months of hire.
Valid State of Alaska driver’s license, or ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
Teamwork skills.
Verbal and written communication skills, including accurate documentation in accordance with regulatory and agency requirements.
Ability to participate in moderate physical recreation and basic outdoor recreational activities.
Ability to participate in a professional development plan to meet QAP certification requirements and support program services.
Ability to foster a positive environment for individuals in early recovery.
Ability to learn, understand, and maintain professional boundaries.
Ability to understand and follow agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
Ability to develop and use group-management, pro-recovery skill-building, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and following applicable regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Monitor and support residents in daily living tasks and treatment objectives.
Teach, support, and assist residents in understanding and meeting program rules and expectations.
Establish therapeutic rapport and use basic counseling skills for individual and group management.
Coordinate and facilitate treatment and community recovery support services as part of a team.
Lead pro-recovery activities, including therapeutic initiatives, skill-building activities, and recreation.
Engage in moderate physical recreational activities that support recovery.
Support residents’ engagement in the community and participation in recreational events.
Support residents with self-administering medications.
Collaborate professionally within SEARHC and with relevant community entities to support comprehensive care and safe, secure residential operations.
Maintain professional development and participate in educational opportunities and training as assigned.
Maintain confidential records and timely, complete, and accurate documentation of client interactions.
Comply with confidentiality requirements, including CFR 42 Part 2 and HIPAA.
Participate professionally in departmental and multidisciplinary team meetings, in-service training, and other collaborative activities.
Participate in career development, substance abuse and addiction training, and study of treatment theories and practices.
Provide consultation to other consortium staff regarding substance abuse and dependency-related care needs.
Perform screenings, orientation, and other community and recovery support services.
Work a variety of shifts, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet program, clinic, departmental, and organizational goals.