Residential Support Associate

Shift

Every other weekend, 6am - 2pm or 2pm - 10pm

The Arc Southern Maryland is currently hiring part‑time Residential Support Associates to assist individuals that need support to access the community, make friends, have fun and be as self‑sufficient as possible. An RSA may provide support to people at home, in recreational settings or the community. This support may include personal hygiene, light housekeeping where the individual lives, grocery shopping, banking, medical appointments, medication administration (if necessary), transportation or social and recreational assistance.

To enhance the ability of the individuals to lead a self‑directed life by providing the support, guidance, and information necessary to build self‑esteem, confidence, and assertiveness, and to make decisions.

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• A valid driving license (driver permit or provisional license are not permitted)
• Can pass a criminal background check mandated by the State of Maryland
• A reliable vehicle to be used in transporting individuals we serve
• A good driving record with no more than 2 points
• Enjoy assisting people and giving hands‑on support

• Community Living Skills & Supports
  • Assist individuals to meet physical (e.g., health, grooming, toileting, eating) and personal management needs (e.g., human development, human sexuality), teaching skills, providing support, and building on strengths and capabilities.
  • Assist individuals with household management (e.g., meal prep, laundry, cleaning, decorating) and transportation needs to maximize skills, abilities and independence (or perform the same if the individual cannot).
  • Assist with and/or dispense medication (as certified) or other prescribed medical treatments, as necessary.
  • Support individuals in the development of friendships and other relationships.
• Community and Service Networking
  • Provide opportunities for involvement in community and leisure activities.
  • Assist in identifying needs for community supports, working with the individual’s informal support system and/or initiating community connections.
• Participant Empowerment
  • Assist individuals to plan, make informed choices, follow through on responsibilities and speak for them on their behalf.
• Communication
  • Use effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and adapt to individuals’ communication styles.
  • Learn and use terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure understanding.
• Facilitation of Services
  • Maintain collaborative professional relationships with individuals and all support team members, following ethical standards of practice (confidentiality, informed consent, etc.) and recognizing personal limitations.
  • Assist and/or facilitate the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from preferences, needs, and interests.
• Advocacy
  • Facilitate, assist, and/or represent individuals when there are barriers to service needs.
  • Interact with and educate community members and organizations (e.g., employer, landlord, civic organization) when relevant to individual needs or services.
• Crisis Intervention
  • Identify crisis situations, evaluate or defuse, and contact necessary supports.
  • Continue to monitor crisis situations, discuss incidents with authorized staff and individuals, adjust supports and environment, and comply with reporting regulations.
  • Implement behavior plans as necessary and indicated.
• Documentation
  • Maintain accurate records and submit records to appropriate sources in a timely fashion.
  • Maintain standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.
• Organization Participation
  • Comply with all agency guidelines, procedures and practices.
  • Incorporate sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues into daily practices and interactions.
• Education, Training & Self‑Development
  • Attend, complete and pass all required training, initially and ongoing.
• Additional Duties and Responsibilities
  • Accomplish all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.
  • Demonstrate appropriate role model behavior at all times.

• Demonstrated ability to read and write…