Low Threshold Resident Assistant

Description

The Low Threshold Housing Resident Assistant is responsible for maintaining the overall management and maintenance of the residence, creating a supportive and welcoming environment for residents, and supporting the staff and the daily operations of the Program. The Resident Assistant reports to the Program Director, or their designee, for support and supervision.

Visions of Victory, in Jamaica Plain, is a low threshold transitional living program utilizing a Housing First, harm reduction model. This program serves individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use/opioid overdose risk and health/mental health conditions, who may also face multiple barriers to housing.

• Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.’s Standards of Excellence & Philosophy of Care at all times including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries and client confidentiality.
• Ensure that the residence is maintained in a state of good repair, orderliness and is free from hazards.
• Assure that fire safety standards are met at all times.
• Enforce all policies and procedures related to maintaining a safe and appropriate residential environment; while promoting a healthy, supportive, inclusive community.
• Engage in relationship building, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, motivational interviewing and conflict de-escalation as needed in the milieu space.
• Accurately document observations, encounters, incidents and engagements with clients during your shift.
• Support with inventory of client belongings.
• Assist with storage of food, household supplies, linen supplies, including inventory, collection, distribution, and laundering as directed.
• Provide assistance with daily office and administrative functions e.g. filing, phone coverage, reception, maintenance of house records.
• Communicate to both management and peer staff any information specific to the organization and maintenance of the facility that occurs during shift (utilizing oral as well as written reports in the daily log and incident reports as required).
• Attend supervision, staff meetings, clinical team meetings and periodic professional development training and workshops as requested by the supervisor.
• Conduct safety, security and wellness rounds/checks throughout the program as scheduled to ensure the well-being of all residents.
• Work collaboratively within the team to provide client centered services.

• Participate and support the agency in program events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, rallies, walks and any additional functions.
• Perform any other duty or task that may be requested from time to time by your supervisor or their designee.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex and drug cultures, age groups, religion, country of origin, disability and economic status.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of or openness to Addiction/Recovery and Harm Reduction Practices/Philosophy or a willingness to acquire within the first six months of employment.
• Excellent verbal communication skills including an ability to have open and affirming conversations.
• Ability to work and relate to residents in a helpful, directive, and compassionate manner.
• Must be CPR certified (may be obtained upon hire)
• Completed TB screening (may be obtained upon hire)
• Three work related professional references; at least 2 from manager or supervisor.

• Experience working with families, parents, and youth experiencing housing instability and trauma.
• Previous experience in nonviolent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and milieu management.
• Working knowledge of HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis, homelessness, substance use, STIs, and sex work as well as health-related social issues faced by persons who use drugs.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a professional team.
• Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills, including the use of Microsoft Word and Excel and other databases.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and safe driving points of 00, 98, 99, 01,…