Residential Support Specialist

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Bloomington, IL

2d•$16 - $19

About The Position

The Residential Support Specialist provides direction and accountability to people served by the homeless services program and helps maintain a safe and secure environment. The position is based at the Bloomington Corps of The Salvation Army’s North and Central Illinois Division and 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. The role is non-exempt and hourly, with a stated pay range of $15.75–$18.90 per hour and an entry-level wage of $16.30 per hour. The specialist supports daily shelter operations, including client intake and eligibility checks, assigning beds, monitoring clients, enforcing program rules, and responding to crises. The role also includes meal preparation and service, volunteer coordination, donation and activity documentation, laundry, and cleaning. The employee must complete required training, follow organizational policies and procedures, and keep the designated supervisor informed of critical issues. The position reports to the Resident Social Services Director (identified elsewhere in the posting as the Resident Services Director) and works with a wide range of internal and external contacts as a representative of The Salvation Army. The work environment includes an office environment with low to moderate noise. The position may involve light to moderate physical work, sometimes heavier, use of standard office equipment, and potentially public presentations or interactions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; significant experience may be considered in lieu of the education requirement.
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; the role may involve public presentations or interactions.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with others in a social services atmosphere 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; 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.
Determine client eligibility by verifying the eligibility list and clearance card; complete intake paperwork for new clients.
Assign clients to appropriate beds; conduct periodic bed checks after curfew; check clients in and out of the building; and pack client belongings.
Ensure client safety and enforce program guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Contact appropriate agencies when crisis intervention is needed.
Remain on duty when there is a problem with the oncoming shift, such as a sick employee, or until another staff member arrives.
Ensure the building is clean and sanitary at the end of the shift, complete laundry by the end of the shift, and clean restrooms as needed.
Complete training required for the position and by The Salvation Army.
Adhere to organizational policies and procedures, commit only approved or allocated resources, and keep the designated supervisor informed of critical issues.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Resident Services Director or Corps Officer.