Float Residential Specialist

This is a unionized position represented by Local 8 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). Starting wage is $31.57 an hour.

About the Role

The Float Residential Specialist (RS) supports Plymouth residents by working as part of the Permanent Supportive Housing team. This role maintains high-quality service delivery based on Plymouth’s mission, cultural proficiency, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and the ‘housing first’ philosophy. The position ensures continuous support for resident well-being, consistent 24/7 staff presence, and fosters a sense of community while assisting the LEAD Residential Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Tenant Services
  • Operates all functions in the front lobby office, including checking and logging visitors, answering phones, monitoring security systems, directing vendors, and managing emails.
  • Collaborates with internal stakeholders to provide effective support and resources, acting as a liaison between residents and external service providers.
  • Conducts ongoing outreach to residents, provides resources, and welcomes new residents into a safe environment.
  • Collaborates with Housing Case Managers and Community Specialists to align tenant services with resident goals and contacts outside service providers as needed.
  • Supports resident well-being and housing stability by helping access resources, engaging residents in life skills, addressing questions/complaints, and providing coaching and follow-up.
  • Partners with residents to create plans addressing concerns or issues.
  • Assists with unit services, including re-entry into individual units.
  • Mediates conflict using de-escalation and conflict mediation techniques.
  • Distributes notices, newsletters, and other materials, ensuring communication accommodates language differences, cultural differences, visual impairments, and other needs.
  • Supports offsite property management by posting notices, communicating with tenants, assisting with work orders, and receiving rent payments.
  • Provides support, guidance, and oversight for volunteers and interns as directed by the Residential Services Manager.
• Building Security & Safety
  • Maintains building security by following safety and emergency procedures, including using radios according to Plymouth policies.
  • Monitors general access areas for unauthorized guests and informs the Residential Services Manager of violations; intervenes to remove unauthorized guests, including calling 911.
  • Conducts regular safety/floor checks and promotes a safe, positive, and sanitary environment.
  • Intervenes in crises, responds to emergencies, and initiates action as required, including contacting emergency response systems while adhering to harm reduction and trauma-informed care principles.
• Janitorial and Light Maintenance
  • Performs light janitorial and maintenance tasks in all facility areas, including individual units, common areas, restrooms, trash rooms, equipment rooms, and sidewalks.
  • Facilitates access for contractors, repair representatives, and vendors.
  • Assists with pest control, including heat treatment for bedbugs.
  • Moves building and unit furniture as needed.
• Administrative
  • Provides general administrative support, such as faxing, distributing mail, and making copies.
  • Checks radios at the start and end of shifts.
  • Records significant events involving residents and building operations in the daily log; reads the log at the start of each shift.
  • Maintains confidentiality and privacy of residents and complies with regulatory requirements when gathering resident information.
  • Attends staff and team meetings and participates in regular supervision meetings.
  • Promotes teamwork and a cooperative work approach among co-workers.
• Other duties as assigned by the Float Manager, Site Director, or Residential Services Manager.

Requirements

Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience:

• Education: High school diploma, GED certificate, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Experience: Previous customer service experience and experience providing services to low-income households, families, and/or adults with disabilities.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Able to communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of voices.
  • Ability to maintain professional boundaries while communicating effectively with tenants and the public.
  • Ability to stay calm and work effectively in a dynamic and potentially challenging environment, including working with individuals demonstrating the effects of trauma, substance use, or behavioral health challenges.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing tasks quickly.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook), ability to work with customized databases and technology, and conduct Internet research.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with diverse, low-income, homeless, or special needs populations.
• Previous employment in social services, supportive housing, or mental health.

Pay

$31.57 per hour.

Schedule

Full-time Float Residential Specialist available for day shift/schedule coverage: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Sunday to Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday. This position may require extra hours or different shifts due to staff illness, no-shows, vacations, or open positions to maintain building coverage and operations. Schedule adjustments may be mandatory.

Benefits

For a full list of benefits, visit https://plymouthhousing.org/benefits-staff/.