Resident Advisor

I. JOB SUMMARY An Independent Living Plus (ILP) Resident Advisor (R.A.) promotes the well-being of youth living on campus as part of the agencys Independent Living Plus program by providing supervision and support, teaching of life skills identified and documented by the Life Skills Coach, and completing record keeping functions. II. DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Serve as a member of the treatment team with the responsibility for ensuring each child successfully completes the goals set forth in their treatment plan. Provide leadership, guidance and support to residents by teaching independent living skills and using agency approved methods of de-escalation and crisis intervention as necessary. Appropriately model life skills to the youth in the program including, but not limited to assertiveness, communication, conflict management, problem solving, and decision making. Provide educational and situational support (group and individual) for youth. Care for residents at all times; assess common areas to ensure safety of youth; assist residents with daily life activities; monitor youth participation with community resources for the benefit of youths employment, education, mentorship, and volunteerism. Accurately dispense medication as prescribed. Collaborate with all necessary departments in planning for the group or its individual members and participate in making decisions. Work collaboratively with the Independent Living team to promote compliance with each youths individual treatment plan. Maintain files according to Quality Improvement standards. Complete all necessary paperwork, logs, critical incidents and monthly reports. Use an agency vehicle to transport children, or conduct agency business, as necessary. Advocate, promote, and practice cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in all day-to-day interactions. Operate within the guidelines of the Employee Handbook, program Operation Manual and agency policies and procedures. Demonstrate commitment to the social sector with a passion for MCHSs mission and vision. Perform other duties as assigned by the Independent Living Supervisor. III. BASIC COMPETENCIES Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelors degree in a related field preferred. 1 - 3 years of experience working in human services with serious emotional disorder (SED) at-risk youth males between the ages of 16 19 preferred. Knowledge Requirements: The behavior patterns of at-risk youth and methods of modifying behavior and motivating youth towards their goals. Basic independent living skills such as money management, home management and education planning. Skills and Abilities Needed: Relate to youth and gain their respect and confidence. Utilize de-escalation techniques to control youth behavior. Attend agency trainings and maintain necessary certifications. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Respect clients rights to self-determination and independence. Appropriately handle physical and emotional behavior of the youths that may involve adversarial or hostile situations. Demonstrate excellent listening skills, patience and tolerance of differences. Respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients or care providers. Act as a resource to help guide and direct clients to independence. Maintain a valid Michigan drivers license; meet underwriting standards while driving agency vehicles and/or transporting clients. IV. JOB SETTING AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is performed in the office, treatment and residential facilities, and work sites. Frequent travel may involve exposure to seasonal weather conditions, unsanitary living conditions, communicable diseases and unsafe environments. Duties may require contact with persons who are hostile or abusive, or with children who are upset and confused. The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee will typically encounter during a normal shift. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. V. OTHER INFORMATION MCHS is an equal opportunity employer where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics as established by law. This policy extends to all policies and procedures related to the recruitment and hiring, compensation, benefits, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Furthermore, this description is a summary of the responsibilities, duties, skills, experience, abilities, and qualifications associated with this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may be changed at any time at the discretion of the CEO. Employment is still considered at-will in which MCHS or the employee may with or without notice, with or without reason terminate employment. MCHS reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.