Residential Advisor

About the role

The Residential Advisor (RA) provides direct service to At-Risk Youth with the goal of successful transition into the community. The role involves general supervision of residents, teaching daily living and social skills, implementing the daily schedule, behavior management, crisis intervention, group work, recreational activities, report writing, and records management.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and monitors the whereabouts and activities of all assigned residents during the scheduled shift of a 24-hour day.
• Maintains a current knowledge through participation in mandatory training.
• Understands the goals of the program and the RA role in the Transitional Living Program.
• Fulfills all Rincon’s policies and procedures in the performance of duties.
• Utilizes available program resources and materials to meet the needs of the Participants.
• Understands and appropriately utilizes the established Rincon’s Transitional Living Program Standards.
• Manages the behavior of residents through use of approved behavioral management interventions and works with Participants toward the accomplishment of goals.
• Fairly and consistently enforces rules and applies appropriate consequences as needed.
• Implements individual management plans for residents through a teamwork approach and makes suggestions to the team based on observations and interactions with the Participants.
• Effectively manages the daily routine and follows TLP schedules.
• Effectively leads Life Skills groups per level responsibilities.
• Aids Participants in identifying behavioral alternatives and selecting appropriate behaviors.
• Effectively addresses and resolves conflict between Participants.
• Demonstrates a positive approach with Participants and reinforces positive behaviors.
• Manages daily routines and monitors the safety conditions and overall cleanliness of the TLP units.
• Provides transportation for Participants as needed but within program guidelines.
• Maintains clean and orderly surroundings to minimize the opportunity for unsafe behaviors.
• Follows all policies, procedures, protocol, and safety directives in order to create and maintain a consistent, predictable, and safe environment.
• Maintains alertness to potentially unsafe situations and responds to maintain a safe environment for all.
• Monitors Participants' behavior to ensure they are not a danger to themselves, other residents, or to staff.
• Provides a positive, stable role model and authority figure for Participants.
• Establishes and maintains a caring and positive relationship with Participants.
• Considers any cultural factors that may be impacting the client or his/her level of participation in services.
• Participates in team meetings, supervisory sessions, and other program meetings, on a regular basis.
• Establishes positive working relationships with team members, others staff, and outside contracts who are involved with the residents.
• Works effectively with all members of the team (RA’s, Therapist, caseworker, etc.) and assists others who request help.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work within agency structure and program and to accept agency supervision.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work constructively with other agencies and the community.
• Must have experience and/or knowledge of the use of computer software for data entry, communication, and writing reports.
• Must be open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Must be able to work as a team member.
• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license and reliable automobile.
• Must be able to work assigned shifts and work other shifts as needed.
• Must be able to speak English.