Residential Aide

DePaul USA supports homeless and marginalized people, providing those experiencing homelessness with purpose and hope for a positive future. Our vision is that everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community. In cities across the nation, we meet people where they are to address their needs through a combination of homelessness services and housing.

About the role

The Opportunity House project provides emergency housing for 35 single adults and families. Services are recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and participant-centered. Residential Aides supervise the daily functioning of the program and assist participants in meeting basic needs such as hygiene, medication, and meals. The ideal candidate will use effective communication skills, respond calmly during difficult situations, and be comfortable serving as the sole provider on the unit.

Responsibilities

• Performs hourly rounds of the entire facility to ensure building safety and security.
• Ensures a safe and secure environment and maintains high operational standards within the project.
• Reports any problems to the next shift and the Shelter Manager or Pine Bluff Associate Director.
• Provides guidance and support for project residents.
• Facilitates a Friday/Saturday evening recreational group to support residents seeking a safe and sober activity.
• Ensures the practical needs of residents are met (e.g., providing food, laundry, clean bedding) in conjunction with volunteers.
• Monitors and stocks supplies for all areas including kitchen, hygiene, laundry, linen, and medical.
• Maintains the donations closet, including organizing, inventory, and developing procedures to ensure orderliness.
• Accepts donations from the public, records donor information, and sorts items into the closet.
• Assists Shelter Manager with distribution of chores and supplies to residents when requested.
• Provides prompt and accurate documentation of participant interactions, incidents, telephone contacts, and other information to meet program and licensing requirements.
• Records shift occurrences and communicates key behaviors to relieving staff members.
• Greets visitors and supervises visitation to the facility.
• Builds professional relationships with all participants and helps them with difficult or problematic situations sensitively.
• De-escalates conflict and engages in conflict resolution, providing guidance and support for project participants.
• Provides peer-to-peer supportive communication to participants who may need help during night and weekend hours and refers problems to appropriate staff members as needed.
• Assists with reception and administration duties as scheduled.
• Adheres to all quality assurance policies and procedures.
• Stays informed of current local and national events, trends, and issues impacting DePaul USA’s work with homeless individuals.
• Participates in internal/external meetings, training events, conferences, and other functions as necessary.
• Participates in regular supervision and annual evaluations, identifying developmental and training needs.
• Ensures adherence to all DePaul USA policies and procedures, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and the Code of Practice and Confidentiality.
• Contributes to the effective implementation of DePaul USA’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Undertakes the role in a professional manner, maintaining high-quality standards of work in accordance with the Vision, Mission, and Values of DePaul USA.

Requirements

• At least one year of experience working with disadvantaged populations.
• Education in social work or a related field is desirable.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Trained in First Aid and CPR or ability to obtain certification within 60 days of hire.
• Exceptional communication, multitasking, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organization skills and ability to work in a team.

Physical Demands

• Spends time sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking, and driving.
• Carrying and lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Operating a computer keyboard and making/receiving telephone calls.
• Subjected to outside environmental conditions.

Schedule

• In-person at Opportunity House.
• Schedule varies between Monday–Sunday.
• Primarily 3:30 PM–11:30 PM and 11:30 PM–7:30 AM.
• Occasionally 7:30 AM–3:30 PM.

Pay

$16.50 per hour, paid bi-weekly.

Benefits

• Sick leave.
• 10 observed holidays.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer matching.

A background check (including a criminal records check) is required as part of the hiring process.