Position Summary:
The Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Resident Advisor is responsible for providing direct care and supervision to adolescents in a Qualified Residential Treatment Facility (QRTP). This role ensures the physical, emotional, and social safety of residents while supporting their treatment goals in a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment.
Candidates with current certification and practical experience in Advanced Behavioral Support (ABS) or a comparable crisis prevention and intervention program are strongly preferred. The ideal Resident Advisor will have demonstrated competency in using trauma-informed, de-escalation techniques to safely manage challenging behaviors, reduce the need for restrictive interventions, and support youth with complex behavioral and mental health needs. Applicants should possess experience implementing behavioral support strategies, maintaining therapeutic relationships, recognizing early warning signs of escalation, and collaborating with clinical teams to promote a safe, structured, and healing environment.
Critical Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED – Minimum educational requirement; additional behavioral health, human services, or social services education is preferred.
- Behavioral Health/Residential Experience – Prior experience working with adolescents or individuals with mental health, behavioral, trauma-related, or substance-use needs is strongly preferred.
- Trauma-Informed Care Competency – Demonstrated ability to interact with youth using trauma-informed, strength-based, and non-punitive approaches.
- Crisis Prevention and De-escalation Skills – Ability to recognize escalating behaviors, intervene appropriately, maintain safety, and utilize approved crisis-management techniques.
- Strong Observation Skills – Ability to continuously monitor residents, recognize changes in behavior or mental status, identify safety concerns, and promptly report concerns.
- Professional Boundaries – Ability to maintain appropriate staff/youth boundaries, avoid dual relationships, protect confidentiality, and maintain professional conduct.
- Effective Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document behaviors, incidents, interventions, and significant observations accurately.
- Ability to Follow Treatment Plans – Ability to understand and consistently implement assigned interventions, behavioral support strategies, safety plans, and program expectations.
- Emotional Stability and Self-Control – Demonstrated ability to remain calm, respectful, and professional when confronted with aggression, defiance, manipulation, emotional dysregulation, or other challenging behaviors.
- Teamwork and Collaboration – Ability to work effectively with therapists, nurses, case managers, supervisors, medical providers, and other residential staff.
- Safety Awareness – Ability to identify environmental and behavioral risks and take immediate appropriate action to protect residents and staff.
- Documentation and Compliance – Ability to complete required documentation accurately, timely, and objectively while following organizational policies, OhioMHAS requirements, HIPAA/privacy requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Medication-Related Awareness – Understanding of medication safety and the BHT's specific role and limitations regarding medications, including following facility policy and reporting medication-related concerns.
- Physical Ability to Perform Essential Duties – Ability to remain alert and actively supervise youth throughout the assigned shift and perform the physical requirements of the position, consistent with applicable law and facility policy.
- Reliable Attendance and Dependability – Consistent attendance, punctuality, willingness to work assigned shifts, and ability to maintain required staffing coverage.
- Ability to Maintain Appropriate Authority – Able to establish structure and expectations without unnecessary confrontation, power struggles, intimidation, or punitive interactions.
- Cultural Competence and Respect – Ability to work respectfully with youth from diverse backgrounds and recognize individual differences in culture, communication, development, and behavioral needs.
- Mandatory Training/Certifications – Must successfully complete all facility-required training and demonstrate competency in areas such as:
- CPR/First Aid
- Crisis Prevention/Intervention
- Trauma-informed care
- Mandated reporting
- Suicide/self-harm awareness
- Abuse/neglect prevention and reporting
- HIPAA/confidentiality
- Emergency procedures
- Resident rights
- De-escalation and behavioral interventions
- Facility-specific safety and security procedures
- Programming and Activities: facilitate group activities and workshops, transport residents to outings and appointments
Facility Maintenance and Safety:
- Conduct room checks, maintain accurate shift logs, and report safety or maintenance concerns promptly.
- Assist with cleaning and organizing communal spaces to uphold a clean and orderly environment.
Team Collaboration:
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and supervision sessions to enhance professional development.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and the interdisciplinary team regarding residents’ needs and progress.
- Facilitate recreational, educational, and therapeutic group activities that align with treatment goals.
- Encourage residents to participate in life skills training, such as budgeting, cooking, and time management.
- Transport residents to appointments, school, family visits, employment, training activities, or community activities as needed, ensuring safety and compliance with policies.
Non-Negotiable Qualifications
1. Ability to safely supervise and monitor youth
2. Demonstrated ability to de-escalate behavioral crises
3. Emotional maturity, sound judgment, and self-control
4. Ability to follow treatment plans, policies, and regulatory requirements
5. Strong professional boundaries, documentation, and communication skill
Qualifications: Education and Experience:
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
- Experience working with adolescents, particularly in residential or behavioral health settings, is highly desirable.
Skills and Competencies:
- Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and positive behavior support.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
- Proficient in basic computer skills and documentation systems.
- Experience in De-escalation techniques
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, walk, and actively engage with residents for extended periods.
- Capacity to lift and move up to 25 pounds as needed.
Other Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Clean SACWIS Registry
- Ability to pass background checks both BCI/FBI, and drug screening.
- Certification in CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention (or willingness to obtain).
Work Schedule:
- 12 hour shift rotations with flexibility for coverage during holidays or emergencies.
Benefits:
- Competitive hourly wage.
- Opportunities for training and professional development.
- PTO
- Health, Vision and Dental, Supplemental Policy Options
Application Process:
Submit your resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Applications can also be completed in-person
Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 36.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Ability to Relocate:
- Columbus, OH 43205: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
