Residential Support Specialist Substitute - REACH Program

About the role

As a Residential Support Specialist (RSS), you will work one-on-one and in groups with young adults aged 16-21 experiencing mental health challenges. In a residential setting, you’ll assist clients in learning and practicing skills related to relationships, school success, recreational activities, health and wellness, early career experiences, and day-to-day living. You’ll also ensure safety by helping youth regulate and express their emotions, including using Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) skills.

Daily responsibilities include teaching independent living skills like hygiene and housekeeping, helping residents prepare meals, modeling relationship-building skills, coaching on coping skills, and fostering a safe living environment through regular cleaning. You’ll document progress, medication management, and recovery as clients transition to adulthood. As a substitute, you’ll fill in for full-time staff to ensure continuity of care.

Requirements

• Passion for mental health advocacy
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Compassion and respect while working in someone’s home
• Patience and willingness to meet youth where they’re at
• Good writing skills and attention to detail
• Ability to perform Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) therapeutic restraint techniques, including moderate exertion, lifting 40 pounds, and kneeling on the floor

Qualifications

Eligibility requires one of the following:

• High School diploma or GED and at least 25 years of age
• Associates degree or higher and at least 21 years of age

Benefits

• Competitive pay – Base rate: $21.75 - 24.00 per hour / $45,240 - 49,920 annually (subject to increase based on education and experience)
• Generous PTO (9 federal holidays, 8 days of sick leave, 15-22 days personal and vacation)
• Dental insurance, vision insurance, and choice of 4 medical insurance plans
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)