Residential Assistant (Comfort Center - Binhghamton)

Position Overview 

The Resident Assistant (RA) plays a critical role in supporting guests at the YWCA Comfort Center. Resident Assistants help maintain a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment while providing day-to-day operational support for the Comfort Center. 

RAs ensure a safe, secure, comfortable, and supportive environment in a manner consistent with the philosophy, policies, and procedures of the YWCA, including our approach to care for homeless individuals. 

Resident Assistants also support the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women by creating an environment grounded in dignity, respect, and trauma-informed care. 

• Monday through Friday (4pm - 12am)
• Monday through Friday (5pm - 1am)
• Monday through Friday (12am - 8am)
• Monday through Friday (1am - 9am)
• Saturday through Sunday (4pm - 12am)
• Saturday through Sunday (5pm - 1am)
• Saturday through Sunday (12am - 8am)
• Saturday through Sunday (1am - 9am)

Key Responsibilities 

• Supervise guests in the program including coaching guests on program policies and rules as well as potential consequences for violation of program policies/rules. 

• Address immediate basic needs, orienting the guest to the comfort center program.  

• Provide supplies to meet basic needs such as snack/meal, linens, container for their belongings and hygiene supplies. 

• Provide conflict resolution, crisis intervention and support as needed.  

• Plan, conduct and monitor guest group meeting sessions and other activities. 

• Maintain statistical accountability. 

• Provide clear and concise daily log entries.  

• Maintain up to date daily log/census. 

• Complete shift specific tasks such as chore assignments, cleaning, laundry, intake sheets, etc.  

• Maintain communication shift-to-shift in staff journal.  

• Answer telephone and respond to inquiries. Provide resources and referrals. 

• Conduct regular (at least once/a night) facility safety checks, including sleeping/resting areas.  

• Communicate any needs (maintenance or repairs) in the communication journal. Any immediate safety concerns will be addressed immediately.  

• Monitor fire/security/ alarm system. 

• Attend mandatory staff meetings and required training sessions. 

• Conduct basic intake information of each new guest 

• Demonstrate cultural competence as well as integrate understanding into daily responsibilities. 

Qualifications  

• Education  - High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• Experience - Experience working in residential programs, shelters, human services, or related environments preferred . 

Skills 

• Strong interpersonal communication skills 

• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations 

• Basic administrative and documentation skills 

• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds 
  
   

Core Competencies 

Successful Resident Assistants demonstrate: 

Trauma-Informed Approach 
Ability to interact with residents in ways that promote safety, dignity, and empowerment. 

Communication & Boundaries 
Clear, respectful communication while maintaining professional boundaries and understanding when a line has been crossed into personal matters. 

Situational Awareness 
Ability to monitor environments and recognize potential safety concerns. 

Documentation Accuracy 
Ability to maintain clear and accurate records. 

Team Collaboration 
Ability to work closely with case managers, supervisors, and other staff to support residents. 

Work Environment / Requirements 

Resident Assistants work in a shelter environment serving individuals and families experiencing housing instability. 

The role requires: 

• Shift-based scheduling (including evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays) with the ability to arrive on time for assigned shift. 

• Frequent interaction with residents in crisis or high-stress situations 

• Ability to move throughout the building to conduct rounds and respond to resident needs 

• Ability to walk throughout the facility regularly 

• Ability to lift and move supplies weighing up to 50 pounds 

• Ability to respond quickly to safety concerns or resident needs 
  
   

What Success Looks Like in This Role 

Successful Resident Assistants: 

• Maintain a safe and orderly living environment 

• Build respectful relationships with guests 

• Ensure accurate documentation and compliance 

• Help guests feel supported and treated with dignity 

• Contribute positively to team operations and program culture 

Equal Employment Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Statement

YWCA Binghamton and Broome County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive workplace in which all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

We prohibit discrimination and harassment in employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, guardianship or adoption status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, arrest or conviction record where protected by law, use of a service animal, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

YWCA Binghamton and Broome County also prohibits retaliation against any applicant or employee for raising a good-faith concern regarding discrimination or harassment, requesting a reasonable accommodation, exercising a legally protected right, or participating in an investigation or proceeding concerning such matters.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, and in other circumstances as required by law.