Residential Support Specialist - REACH

Thresholds•Chicago, IL

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Support Specialist (RSS) works with young adults aged 16-21 who are experiencing mental health challenges. This role involves coaching clients towards achieving goals related to work, relationships, and independent living, both one-on-one and in group settings within a residential environment. Specialists assist clients in learning and practicing essential life skills such as relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living. A key aspect of the role is ensuring safety by helping youth regulate and safely express emotions, utilizing Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills. Daily tasks include teaching independent living skills like hygiene and housekeeping, assisting with meal preparation, modeling relationship-building, and coaching coping skills. The RSS is also responsible for maintaining a safe and inviting living environment through regular cleaning and documenting client progress, medication management success, and recovery as they transition to adulthood.

Requirements

Passion for mental health advocacy
Effective communication and relationship-building skills
Compassion and respect while working in someone’s home
Patience and willingness to meet youth where they’re at
Good writing skills and attention to detail
Ability to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention therapeutic restraint techniques, which require moderate exertion, being able to lift 40 pounds, and the mobility to lower self to a kneeling position on the floor (training provided and required)
Available for the work schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 3PM - 11PM
High School diploma or GED certificate with at least 5 years of related experience and at least 25 years of age OR Associates degree or higher and at least 21 years of age

Responsibilities

Coach young adults towards achieving goals related to work, relationships, and independent living
Work one-on-one and in groups with youth experiencing mental health challenges
Assist clients in learning and practicing skills related to relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living
Ensure safety by helping youth regulate and safely express their emotions
Utilize Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills
Teach independent living skills like hygiene and housekeeping
Help residents prepare meals
Model relationship building skills
Coach youth on coping skills
Foster a safe and inviting living environment by regularly cleaning the residence
Document clients' experiences, success with medication management, and recovery process