Residential Support Specialist - Community Bridge Program

Community Human Services•Pittsburgh, PA

8d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Support Specialist (RSS) provides direct care and supportive services in a respectful manner to residents in the CHS Residential programs. The RSS is also expected to work with and communicate directly with other staff members supportively and cooperatively, complete required documentation, manage crisis situations, and attend required training programs. The RSS may also be required to assist with regular upkeep of the work site. The RSS is cross trained on all residential programs and may work across all residential sites as needed. CHS uses the Housing First and Harm Reduction service delivery models, assisting clients with housing as the immediate need without requirements to abstain from any harmful behavior prior to being housed.

Requirements

Pre-employment physical and TB screening with results stating person is free from communicable disease, at hire and every two years thereafter
Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal Clearances
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Exceptional customer service communication
Cultural competence, being able to work effectively with all backgrounds
Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations
Strong organizational, phone and computer skills
A working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience
A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively
Strong ability to navigate the Internet to familiarize and access various resources
Ability to work and travel independently
High School Diploma required. Two years’ work experience, or combination of work, education and life experiences approved by the agency and funder.

Nice To Haves

Preferred certification or training in crisis management, mental health, and behavioral health education.

Responsibilities

Develop a professional and therapeutic relationship with residents and maintain and model appropriate personal boundaries.
Provide support as needed to residents and staff. Follow communication protocol and address complaints, behavioral problems, etc. promptly.
Maintain visitor logs, shower schedules, bus pass sign outs and other records as assigned by the Program Manager.
Perform safety and security checks on the facility at a frequency identified by the Program Manager.
Cleaning the staff office, resident showers, common spaces, and turning over vacant rooms as needed. Perform seasonal maintenance such as salting sidewalks in the winter when maintenance staff are unavailable.
Distribute pre-packaged meals to residents in accordance with safe food handling and health and safety regulations.
Assist with planning and coordinating life skills workshops and training sessions on topics such as budgeting, meal planning, household management, conflict resolution, communication skills, and tenant rights and responsibilities.
Facilitate opportunities for residents to connect with local community resources, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and employment services.
Complete required written documentation in a timely manner. This includes incidents reports, progress notes in support of Residential Case Management Team, and other case record forms. Ensure that progress notes include the individual behaviors, activities, goal progress, any changes, daily interactions, needs, strengths, etc. to provide a thorough overview and on-going log.
Complete data entry of information into the agency database and any funder-specific site for reporting purposes on a timely basis.
Complete weekly inventory of office and food supplies as identified by Program Manager
Understand and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with the agency and program policies and procedures. Identify appropriate procedures for various situations.
The RSS will be working at a 24/7 residential facility and will be expected to ensure that all state mandated regulations for coverage are being met. Due to these regulations an RSS is not permitted to leave the residential site until their relief has arrived and must ensure the required ratio of two staff per shift is maintained at all times. This includes staying beyond your scheduled shift until relief arrives.
Maintain the physical site by prompting residents to perform household duties and report any needed facility-related repairs.
Ensure health and safety standards are met and maintained. Maintain an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in the office and common spaces.
Attending necessary training and professional development sessions to enhance agency-wide knowledge. Attend a minimum of 15 hours per calendar year of training.
Complete all job duties in accordance with the mission and values of CHS.