SUMMARY: Friends of Guest House, a nonprofit reentry program for Women that have been recently incarcerated, located in Alexandria, VA is hiring a full-time Residential Services Specialist. Responsibilities include monitoring the therapeutic milieu and activities, responding to patient crises and emergencies as needed. This position assures a safe and drug free environment and provides Life Skills and 12 Step Education.
Shifts available:
1. Monday-Friday 6am-2pm
2. Tuesday-Saturday 2pm-10pm
4. per diem
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintains resident privacy, security and confidentiality according to agency guidelines.
- Models a caring, concerned, and respectful attitude toward residents.
- Maintains positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner that fosters positive relationships with residents, co-workers, supervisors, interns, volunteers, community partners and the general public.
- Complies with all Friends of Guest House and DOC policies and procedures.
- Reads log book and SLACK from previous shift to note/address any items requiring attention. Provide timely communication of information (i.e., in person and via the interoffice social media platform, phone calls, text messages, emails, etc.)
- Provide desk coverage for scheduled shift, answering and routing calls or recording messages according to agency procedures. Ensures the entry of all guests, volunteers, and resident visitors meets protocol and is documented according to agency policy.
- Follows security protocols including conduction of bag checks and metal detector wanding for residents returning from outside of the facility, and visitors as needed.
- Maintains a consistent presence throughout the facility during scheduled shift, by remaining visible and interacting regularly with residents to ensure your awareness of the activities going on in all residential and staff areas in order to maintain control and assure safety of clients and staff in building and on grounds.
- Supports the RSS Lead in providing details to Case Managers and Program Director regarding residents’ personal needs, behavior and service planning.
- Serves as a positive role model for residents, utilize active listening to support residents to problem solve, prompt utilization of coping skills, etc., in the absence of the Case Managers.
- Ensures residents are following schedule of activities approved by Case Managers.
- Maintains adherence to staff guidelines and upholds program procedures.
- Supports the agency protocols and guidelines regarding residents’ medication self administration.
- Conducts breathalyzer and drug urine screens as needed and as required.
- Issues supplies (e.g., bed linens, toiletries, etc.,) to residents in accordance with established procedures.
- Supports RSS Lead in supervision and documentation of residents’ chores and upkeep of their personal areas, providing training as needed and informing RSS Lead, Program Coordinator, Program Director, and Case Managers of any problems.
- Assist with training for chores.
- Maintains organization and cleanliness of the Residential Services office and additional facility spaces as needed.
- Assists with resident and program activities as assigned.
- Receives, secures and accounts for all donations received during scheduled shift, controlling resident access and issuing receipts to donors.
- Monitors meal times, supports with resident skill-building by assisting with meal preparation when needed.
- Supports RSS Lead in ensuring accurate and timely completion of all required documentation related to resident compliance with all FOGH and partnering agencies policies and procedures in appropriate logs and online/computer based records of resident activities.
- documentation of property inventory of residents.
- Records daily statistics of attendance (i.e. resident head counts, bed checks and comprehensive room searches according to DOC and Friends of Guest House agency policies and procedures.
- Supports RSS Lead in ensuring accurate and timely completion of all required activities and documentation related to agency (FOGH) compliance with all partnering agencies policies and procedures in appropriate logs and online/computer based records of resident activities.
- Incident reports
- Medication & UA/BA Logs (Meds Safety)
- Emergency Preparedness Drills (Fire safety)
- Refrigerator/Freezer temps (Food Safety)
- Conducts regular walk-through of program facility and grounds, documenting and reporting facility maintenance issues according to agency guidelines.
- Communicates all emergency/urgent situations to appropriate staff (including the on-call team outside of regular office hours).
- Supports the maintenance of supply inventory and replenishes supplies as needed.
- Participates in all staff meetings, trainings, special events and other agency activities as assigned.
- Transports residents in agency vehicles as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned or necessary to ensure efficient and effective program and facility operations.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School diploma or equivalent required
- Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CSAC-A, CAC, CSAC), or ability to obtain within 6-months of employment, required
- Minimum two (2) years experience working in a substance abuse treatment setting preferred
- Knowledge of substance use treatment and of 12 Step recovery process, preferred
- Possess valid driver’s license and safe driving record required
- Certified in First Aid and CPR, Medication Management, preferred
- Bilingual (Spanish/English), a plus
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Ability to prepare and maintain required documentation
- Ability to comply with state and federal regulations regarding confidentiality
- Ability to work and communicate with others. Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries with patients
- Possess a thorough knowledge of various treatment methods and experience working with diverse populations.
- Strong computer aptitude, including, but not limited to use of email, HRIS timekeeping, documenting in an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
- Knowledge of criminal justice system. Experience with justice involved persons preferred
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care helpful
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving with ability to recognize problems and take corrective actions as determined by agency and program policies and procedures
- Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgement and to respond with discretion under varying conditions.
- Great interpersonal skills that inspires respect and trust
- Ability to work effectively under stressful conditions
- Ability to provide crisis intervention, de-escalation and management
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. In the course of performing this job, one typically spends time sitting, walking, climbing stairs, standing, carrying, lifting up to 15 pounds, listening, speaking, typing, reading, and writing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position works in a congregate care environment. This is an on-site direct care position. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. Employees may be exposed to infectious diseases/illness. Appropriate preventive measures should be taken, including being up to date with vaccinations and practicing good infection control protocols.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties, as necessary.
FOGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
