Residential Support Specialist ( Shelter)

FUNCTION: Bridges to Independence provides emergency shelter and rapid re\-housing to individuals and families in Arlington County. Sullivan house is a 44\-bed emergency shelter located in Arlington County, Virginia serving both individuals and families. The Residential Support Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety of guests and security of the Sullivan House facility through the administration and implementation of program policies and guidelines. EFFECT ON END RESULTS: · Ensures safe, secure, and efficient facility. · Ensures guests remain focused on individual housing goals. · Encourages and supports guests’ successful entry into permanent housing. PRINCIPLE ACTIVITIES: · Incorporates housing into interactions with guests ensuring overall housing\-focus. · Consult with direct supervisor regarding guests’ personal needs, behavior, and Individual Housing Plans. · Prepare vacant rooms for incoming guests. · Ensure a safe, clean, and manageable living environment for shelter guests. · Monitor residential areas by conducting rounds within the building a minimum of four (4\) times per shift. · Is visible at front desk and available to interact continuously with residents · Conducts periodic inspections of the facility and grounds through rounds and/or CCTV monitoring to ensure security of facility. · Ensure building meets cleanliness and standards of Arlington County’s Facilities Maintenance Team. · Maintain neat, orderly, and clutter\-free pantry area for guest use. · Cleans main office prior to close of each shift. · Assists guests in processing issues and/or problem\-solving as appropriate. · Practice de\-escalation strategies involving guests as appropriate. · Supervise program activities and other programming for guests. · Conduct periodic fire drills and perform other safety duties as directed, including implementing emergency evacuation protocol. · Receive, account for, and secure all donations received during the shift. · Maintain a comprehensive and accurate written record of events that occur during shifts including thorough incident reports. · Maintain resident sign\-in/out log as well as all other logbooks and records. · Conduct brief intake session with new guests, review expectations and guidelines, and answer any questions. · Receive incoming calls, route calls appropriately, and document accordingly. · Respond to in\-person and telephone inquiries from the public. · Review Sullivan house documentation and replace forms as need · Follow appropriate critical incident protocol and accompanying documentation. · Attend staff meetings and trainings as directed. · Perform other general duties to support the mission of the organization, as requested. REQUIREMENTS: The successful candidate shall possess an Associate Degree and at least 1 year of community\-based social services experience; or High School Diploma/GED and at least 2 years community\-based social services experience or other related experience with those experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability. This position requires the ability to work independently, with limited supervision. Requirements include the ability to interact and communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing. Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and other web\-based data bases with proficiency. The Residential Services Specialist at a minimum must be able to prepare written reports; monitor and direct program activities with dignity and respect toward program participants always; and ensure the safety and security of program operations. Familiarity with Bowman and/or Efforts to Outcomes software desired. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. · The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself, others and program supplies as necessary. · The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment. · The physical ability to move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment. · The ability to operate office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements. · The ability to work in a fast\-paced environment with minimal sitting. OTHER: · Acceptable criminal background check · CPR/First Aid Certification must be acquired and maintained once employed.' ' Pay: $18\.00 per hour Benefits: 403(b) Opportunities for advancement Paid orientation Paid training Work Location: In person