Residential Support Specialist

The Salvation Army Central Territory • Bloomington, IL

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About The Position

The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division is seeking a Residential Support Specialist for its Bloomington Corps homeless services program. The role provides direction and accountability to program participants while helping maintain a safe and secure environment. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, on the first shift from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including days and weekends. It is hourly and non-exempt, with a pay range of $15.75–$18.90 per hour and an entry-level wage of $16.30 per hour.

The specialist supports residents through intake, eligibility checks, bed assignments, check-in and check-out, periodic bed checks, and enforcement of program rules. The role also includes meal preparation and service, coordinating meal-service volunteers, receiving donations, maintaining records, responding to crises, and keeping the facility clean and sanitary. The employee must follow Salvation Army policies, complete required training, protect confidential information, and keep the designated supervisor informed of critical issues.

The position reports to the Resident Services Director (also identified in the reporting relationships section as the Resident Social Services Director). It involves interaction with clients, volunteers, staff, visitors, and external contacts. The work environment includes an office setting with low to moderate noise, and the role may require light to moderate physical work, sometimes heavier.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; significant experience may be considered in lieu of this education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including positive interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• Close attention to detail and a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to multitask several projects concurrently.
• Interest and ability to work sensitively and in a culturally appropriate manner with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and implement policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with computer software applications, including email and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to perform light to moderate physical work, sometimes heavier.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including a PC.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with others in a social services environment is encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Answer the telephone and provide assistance and information as needed.
• Document daily activity in the logbook and record rule infractions through incident reports.
• Coordinate and assist volunteers serving meals, and maintain volunteer logs and related paperwork.
• Ensure meals are prepared according to health department standards; prepare and serve dinner and breakfast when volunteers have not prepared them.
• Receive and document donations and gifts.
• Review log entries from the previous shift for pertinent information.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings.
• Verify client eligibility using eligibility lists and clearance cards.
• Complete intake paperwork for new clients and assign them to appropriate beds.
• Conduct periodic bed checks after curfew and check clients in and out of the building.
• Pack client belongings and help ensure client safety.
• Enforce program guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Contact appropriate agencies when crisis intervention is needed.
• Remain on duty when the incoming shift has a problem or until another staff member arrives.
• Keep the building clean and sanitary at the end of the shift, complete laundry by the end of the shift, and clean restrooms as needed.
• Complete required position-related training and follow Salvation Army policies and procedures.
• Keep the designated supervisor informed of critical issues related to the area of responsibility.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability, and life insurance may be available to eligible employees.
• Flexible spending accounts may be available to eligible employees.
• 403(b) retirement accounts may be available to eligible employees.
• Company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan may be available to eligible employees.
• Generous time-off policies.

What This Job Offers

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