Residential Aide

Residential Aide

The Residential Aide plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment for clients in a residential addiction recovery setting. This position involves continuous client care, supervision, and role modeling, with responsibilities increasing progressively through the R.I.S.E. (Raising Initiative Skills for Elevation) Program. The Residential Aide is responsible for monitoring the therapeutic milieu and client activities, responding to client crises and emergencies as needed, and transporting clients to outside activities, evening AA meetings, and appointments as needed. This position requires the individual to possess good communication skills and boundaries within the scope and setting of the therapeutic community. This position assures a safe and drug-free environment and provides life skills and self-help group education.

Reports To: Director of Residential Aide Services/Residential Aide Manager

Department: Residential

Location: On-site, Dumfries, VA, Triangle, VA

Employment Type: Full-time | Hourly | Non-Exempt

Compensation: The pay for this position is $19 per hour, set in good faith based on the responsibilities of the role, qualifications, and market conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure client well-being and safety by providing a structured, positive, and supportive environment.
• Act as a resource for new clients, facilitating their integration into the program.
• Participate actively as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and strong boundaries with clients at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 guidelines.
• Document activities, observations, and client behaviors accurately and timely in the Kipu system.
• Assist with admissions, including body searches, personal property checks, and completing inventory checklists.
• Ensure regular safety rounds and adherence to supervision intervals.
• Assist in promoting life skills and discharge planning.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Residential Aide R.I.S.E. Program (Training Cards) Overview:

The Residential Aide R.I.S.E. (Raising Initiative Skills for Elevation) Program at Mainspring Recovery is a comprehensive career development initiative designed to strengthen the skills, responsibilities, and leadership capabilities of Residential Aides through three progressive levels. This program aims to develop effective leaders and maintain the efficient operation of Mainspring Recovery's facilities by providing structured training, regular evaluations, and incremental pay increases.

R.I.S.E. Program Levels:

• Residential Aide Level I (0-3 months):
• Complete all Med Trainer courses.
• Conduct headcounts and shift reports during assigned shifts.
• Assist intake nurses with client admissions, including body searches and property searches.
• Serve meals and handle equipment, such as assembling/disassembling the fountain drink machine.
• Maintain stable attendance and demonstrate reliability.
• Meet all Level I competencies and maintain a clean attendance record for progression.
• Residential Aide Level II (3 months - 1 year):
• Complete MANDT training, including verbal and paraverbal de-escalation techniques.
• Facilitate client group activities and orientation sessions for new clients.
• Mentor Level I Residential Aides.
• Perform advanced documentation of behavioral interventions in Kipu.
• Demonstrate interdepartmental communication skills and assist in crisis interventions.
• Residential Aide Level III (1+ year):
• Demonstrate leadership by supervising and supporting Level I and II Residential Aides.
• Facilitate NA/AA group meetings and assign tasks during shifts.
• Ensure operational continuity by collaborating with all departments.
• Conduct evaluations in coordination with managers and directors to promote positive work ethics.

Minimum Qualifications

Education / Credentials

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current valid driver's license and insurability.
• CPR and MANDT certification within 90 days of hire (training provided).

Experience

• Minimum one year of experience in a behavioral healthcare or addiction recovery setting.
• Familiarity with addiction treatment and the recovery process is preferred.

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to empathize with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHR/EMR systems (e.g., Kipu).
• Crisis de-escalation and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and a collaborative work environment.

Working Conditions

• Direct care position
• Full-time, 40 hours per week, 4:00pm-12:30am.
• Residential Aides may be scheduled for any shift, Sunday through Saturday, based on operational needs.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends and holidays, is required.
• Employees are expected to report on time and participate in shift-to-shift communication to ensure continuity of care.
• Schedule adjustments or additional hours may be required based on census, staffing, or program needs.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs multiple times throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move client luggage and personal belongings weighing approximately 20 to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout residential facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to safely assist with routine residential tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Why This Role Matters

• The Residential Aide (RA) role at Mainspring Recovery is vital to the day-to-day operation of our programs. RAs interact with our clientele more than any other department; therefore, customer service must remain exemplary, professional boundaries must be always respected, and strict adherence to the Code of Ethics is required.
• Opportunities for growth are available in several ways. We have established Training Cards, which allow RAs to earn a $0.25 wage increase each quarter, equating to a $1.00 increase annually upon successful completion. Additionally, there are other operational positions within the organization, and when employees meet qualifications, we are open to promoting from within.
• Lastly, Residential Services is a core department at MSR. We maintain a strong, supportive team culture and work collaboratively across all shifts to ensure continuity of care and operational excellence.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Mainspring conducts, as required, job-related background checks, drug testing, TB testing, verification of employment history, and/or reference checks prior to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mainspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

EEO is the Law: