Behavioral Health Resident Assistant

Job Overview:

• Shifts: 9:30am - 5:30pm, 5:30pm - 1:30am, 1:30am - 9:30am
• Location: Lower East Side, NYC
• Salary: $22hourly +Full benefits package
• Position Type: Relief (Requires flexibility to cover shifts in case of call-outs or no-shows)

Program Overview:

The Third Street Women’s Residence is a critical part of this network, providing transitional shelter and supportive services to 79 homeless women with mental illness concerns who are in need of permanent housing. The staff provides an array of social and housing placement services, working with the residents to enhance and develop life management skills, as well as to manage their mental health conditions. When needed, residents are referred to community-based organizations.

Job Summary:

The Behavioral Health Resident Assistant (RA) will provide direct, hands-on care to individuals with varying degrees of mental illness, substance use, and/or developmental disabilities. The RA will support the social services team in fulfilling the program's core mission, values, and vision. This position reports directly to the Shift Supervisor and performs vital, front-line functions, including client observation, assistance, and interaction. The RA serves as the "eyes, ears, and hands" of the diagnosing professional, providing critical support for both residents and staff.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a social service agency or working with vulnerable populations.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in stressful and challenging situations.
• Experience providing services to individuals with psychiatric/medical disabilities, substance abuse issues, and developmental disabilities is preferred.
• Must obtain First Aid, CPR, Food Handlers License, and F-80 (Certificate of Fitness for Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm System) certifications within 3 months of employment.
• PPD clearance required within 3 months of employment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Computer literacy required, with experience using the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) data system preferred.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• English/Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience providing services to individuals with psychiatric/ medical disabilities, and issues of substance abuse ussge
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literacy a must
• Experience utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) data system
• Ability to maintain professional demenaor in stressful situations/environment
• Minimum 2 years of experience working in a Social Service Agency or vulnerable populations
• Must be flexible and available to work holidays, evenings and/or weekends as needed
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Key Responsibilities

• Assist residents in developing life management skills and managing mental health conditions.
• Support the implementation of therapeutic recreation and socialization opportunities for residents.
• Proactively work to create and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for residents.
• Observe and document changes in residents' physical, mental, and behavioral conditions, reporting this information to the social services team.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, documenting all relevant incidents, meals served, and other operational details.
• Respond to crises, de-escalate conflicts, and ensure the safety of residents and staff.
• Complete incident reports immediately after any incidents or accidents.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of the facility to monitor security and ensure the safety of both internal and external areas.
• Assist with building security, including monitoring entrances and reviewing daily sign-in sheets.
• Medication Monitoring:
• Assist with medication monitoring processes to ensure proper tracking and compliance.
• Support meal service, maintain accurate records of meals provided, and communicate any challenges related to meal service.
• Assist program staff with conflict resolution and management of resident behavior.
• Provide clerical support to the operational and office team as needed.
• Foster smooth service provision across shifts, ensuring continuity of care.
• Provide flexibility to cover additional shifts in the event of staff call-outs or no-shows.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor or program leadership.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods as required.
• Ability to climb multiple flights of stairs throughout the day.
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• Must be able to work onsite in the Lower East Side.