Residential Advisor

Residential Advisor

What began as a small clinic established by young community leaders on the West Side of Chicago in 1972 has grown into one of the largest providers of high-quality and culturally competent services focusing on counseling and crisis intervention services, substance use prevention and treatment, violence prevention, education, case management, community and family services. We are dedicated to rendering compassionate and effective programs to promote the quality of life by catalyzing to advocate, educate and empower individuals and their families.

The Residential Advisor (RA) will provide direct service to At-Risk Youth with the goal of successful transition into the community. The position requires general supervision of residents, teaching appropriate daily living and social skills, implementation of the daily schedule, behavior management, crisis intervention, group work, implementation of recreational activities, report writing and records management, and overseeing all other aspects of daily living for the residents. The RA is expected to conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner at all times with Participants family members, co-workers, and individuals from outside Rincon Family Service.

At Rincon, our commitment to mutual respect, inclusivity, and diversity is woven into the structure of all that we do. We value:

• Dedication - Embodying effective and transparent leadership and quality client care.
• Education – Preventative programming and clinical services based on industry standards, competence and outreach.
• Accountability – Consistent service delivery, measurable success, and sensible financial management.
• Advocacy – Empowerment, reduction of treatment stigma, and relationship building with partners.
• Compassion – Embracing culturally diverse communities and equality through sensitivity to individual needs.

With these values in mind, we promote a culture that fosters professional development and agency success. Many of our employees span an extended tenure, and we pride ourselves on developing dedicated and supported team members.

Areas of Accountability - What you will be doing:

• Supervises and monitors the whereabouts and activities of all assigned residents during the scheduled shift of a 24-hour day.
• Maintains a current knowledge through participation in mandatory training.
• Understands the goals of the program and the RA role in the Transitional Living Program.
• Follows all Rincon's policies and procedures in the performances of duties
• Utilizes available program resources and materials to meet the needs of the Participants
• Understands and appropriately utilizes the established Rincon's Transitional Living Program Standards
• Manages the behavior of residents through use of approved behavioral management interventions and works with Participants toward the accomplishments of goals
• Fairly and consistently enforces rules and applies appropriate consequences as needed
• Implements individual management plans for residents through a teamwork approach and makes suggestions to the team based on observations and interactions with the Participants
• Effectively manages the daily routine and follows TLP schedules
• Effectively leads Life Skills groups per level responsibilities
• Assists Participants in identifying behavioral alternatives and selecting appropriate behaviors
• Effectively addresses and resolves conflict between Participants
• Demonstrates a positive approach with Participants and reinforces positive behaviors
• Manages daily routines and monitors the safety conditions and overall cleanliness of the TLP units
• Provides transportation for Participants as needed but within program guidelines
• Maintains clean and orderly surroundings to minimize the opportunity for unsafe behaviors
• Follows all policies, procedures, protocol, and safety directives in order to create and maintain a consistent, predictable, and safe environment
• Maintains alertness to potentially unsafe situations and responds to maintain a safe environment for all
• Monitors Participants behavior to ensure that they are not a danger to themselves, other residents, or to staff
• Provides a positive, stable role model and authority figure for Participants
• Establishes and maintains a caring and positive relationship with Participants
• Considers any cultural factors that may be impacting the client or his/her level of participation in services
• Participates in team meetings, supervisory sessions and other program meetings, on a regular basis
• Establishes positive working relationships with team members, others staff, and outside contracts who are involved with the residents.
• Works effectively with all members of the team (RA's, Therapist, caseworker, etc.) and assists others who request help.

Rincon Rewards & Benefits- How we value you:

• Health insurance
• Dental & Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Generous PTO (Paid time off)- Accrue up to 21 days in Year 1, some PTO carryover allowable.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employment may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Certain employees may qualify for City of Chicago commuter transit benefits

Rincon's Work Environment – What to expect:

The job location is an office setting where the workspace includes a well-organized layout with necessary equipment and ergonomic considerations; the physical demands of the job include performing rounds every 45 minutes, which involve climbing two flights of stairs, and driving participants to various destinations, requiring a valid Illinois driver's license and a reliable automobile.

Schedule:

Shift varies

1. 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
2. 4:00 PM- 12:00 PM
3. 12:00 PM-8:00 PM

Overtime opportunities may be available.

Language:

1. Must be able to speak English

Requirements

The Knowledge and Expertise that Matters Most - What you bring to the Role:

• Effectively communicate with residents,
• Attentively hear and understand the concerns of residents, resolve conflicts
• Create a positive environment
• Understand the relationship between trauma and behavior
• Foster positive relationships between and among residents, creating a sense of community and belonging
• Balance multiple responsibilities including addressing residents concerns, organization events and completing administrative task
• Make decisions quickly and effectively such as addressing emergencies and resolving conflicts
• Assist new RA's with on-the-job training skills
• Display the ability to relate with coworkers regarding various aspects of the job
• Present a thorough understanding of the policies and procedures of the facility
• Be aware of potential safety hazards and emergency procedures within the facility
• Sensitive to cultural difference and create an inclusive environment within the facility

Position Qualifications – What is required to Perform the Role:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have high school diploma
• All Residential Advisors shall have an initial medical examination that provides evidence that they are free of communicable diseases, including active tuberculosis or physical and mental conditions that affect their ability to perform assigned duties and shall be reexamined every two years
• Must have demonstrated ability to work within agency structure and program and to accept agency supervision
• Must have demonstrated ability to work constructively with other agencies and the community
• Experience and/or knowledge of the use of computer software for data entry, communication, and writing reports.
• Must be open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population
• Must be able to work as a team member
• Must have a valid Illinois driver's license and reliable automobile
• Driving Participants to various destinations will be required
• Must have excellent organizational and communication skills; detail oriented and writing skills a must
• Must be able to do rounds every 45 minutes which includes climbing two flights of stairs