Hearts of Hope, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth and young adults experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, supportive services, and housing stabilization. Our Hope Center Youth Shelter provides 24-hour emergency shelter and comprehensive support for youth ages 18–24, helping them build stability, independence, and pathways to permanent housing. We are seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated Residential Support Specialists who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people. This is a grant-funded position, and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding.
Position Summary
The Residential Support Specialist provides direct supervision, support, and mentorship to youth residing in our 24-hour emergency shelter. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, this position helps maintain a safe, structured, and trauma-informed environment while assisting residents in developing independent living skills and achieving their individualized goals.
This position requires staff to accompany residents to appointments and community resources, including government agencies, medical appointments, employment interviews, educational programs, housing appointments, and other supportive services.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Provide direct supervision and support to youth residing in the emergency shelter during assigned 12-hour shifts.
- Maintain a safe, structured, and trauma-informed living environment while ensuring compliance with shelter policies and procedures.
- Build positive, supportive relationships with youth through mentorship, encouragement, and crisis intervention.
- Prepare and serve nutritious meals and snacks for residents while maintaining a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining area.
- Assist residents with daily living activities, personal responsibility, household routines, and independent living skill development.
- Conduct resident intakes, room assignments, orientation, and discharge procedures.
- Complete accurate shift notes, incident reports, transportation logs, and other required documentation.
- Transport and accompany residents to appointments, including medical visits, behavioral health services, employment interviews, housing appointments, educational programs, court appearances, and other community-based supportive services.
- Assist youth with obtaining identification documents, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and other documentation necessary for housing and employment.
- Monitor resident behavior, de-escalate conflicts, and respond appropriately to emergencies or crisis situations.
- Conduct routine safety and wellness checks throughout the shelter.
- Collaborate with the Shelter Director, Intake Case Manager, and community partners to support residents' housing stabilization plans.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with all organizational policies, safety procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Perform light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming shelter environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred. Candidates with a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience working with youth, young adults, homeless populations, residential care, behavioral health, foster care, juvenile services, or related human services programs will also be considered.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with youth, young adults, homeless populations, behavioral health, residential programs, foster care, juvenile services, or human services.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and youth development principles.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building supportive relationships with youth.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems; experience with HMIS is a plus.
Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
