RESIDENT ADVISOR

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Transitional Housing (TH) funded by HUD, the Traveling Day/Evening Resident Advisor (RA) provides supportive services to up to 20 young people aged 18-24 living a transitional housing setting located in the Bronx.  Reporting to the Program Coordinator of the TH site, the RA is will be expected to cover all sites due to program needs and coverage. RA will be an energetic, creative, and diligent member of a team that includes case managers and a cadre of specialty staff including employment/education specialists, housing specialists, youth development staff, and credentialed mental health staff.  The traveling Resident Advisor needs to be flexible to travel to different TIL sites as needed, provide coverage per shift assigned and provide services per program needs.  

RAs are also responsible for cooking meals for up to 20 youth, at times with other staff and/or youth, or on their own.  RAs will be providing assistance in obtaining food handling licenses and other culinary training, if needed.   RAs also assist with keeping the site clean and well-maintained, including working with youth and other staff to manage garbage and day-to-day cleaning of all areas of the site. The RA will be working within a newly opened, stand-alone site.  Flexibility and excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are critical to successfully fulfilling the requirements of this position. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Youth Engagement and Program Support

  • Directly engages, supervises and supports youth residing at the TIL site.

  • Ensures that the site, including youths' rooms, is clean and kept in good and safe condition.

  • Welcomes youth to the site and orients youth to site expectations, CHNY's mission and principles, and child protection policies and protocols.

  • Assists youth with preparation for the next day.  Ensures youth meet curfew and are accounted for when they leave the facility. 

  • Flexible in commuting to various TIL sites located in the Bronx and working during different shifts as needed.  

  • Conduct room checks (daily and throughout all shifts) for youth and ensure safety on the floors as well as checking for fire safety and/or addressing any contraband or weapon issues.

  • Provide direct support and monitoring when youth are utilizing certain areas during night shifts such as the laundry room, dining area, lounge or any other open spaces onsite. This includes addressing any safety incidents or fire safety related issues that occur during the day or evening shift.

  • Monitor program and client activities to ensure a safe and secure environment.

  • Engages with youth during morning mealtimes and works with youth to facilitate post-meal clean up and assist in meal prepping as needed. 

  • Assists with activities of daily living (ADLs) that include self-care and life skills such as; meals, hygiene, laundry, cleaning of living space, time management and communal living.

  • Assists in keeping the site clean and well-maintained by participating in tidying up and facilitating the work of facilities and maintenance staff.   

  • Provides support to Case Managers as needed, including distributing appointment slips, appointment follow-up, collection and filing of paperwork, file maintenance, and file compliance.  Transitions and communicates with morning staff.

  • Maintains records in the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) computer system, and enters all required documentation timely.

  • Escorts youth to other agencies and services when necessary (e.g., hospitals, school visits)

  • Maintains healthy, supportive relationships with the youth, mindful of boundaries and mutual respect.

  • Leads and/or participates in recreational and holiday activities at the site and off-site trips.

  • Completes incident reports by the end of the shift, and submit to appropriate parties.

  • De-escalates crises; attend to emergencies following agency protocol, as needed.

  • Performs other duties as assigned and needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• High School/GED w/ 1 or year of relevant work experience required. 

• Bachelor’s Degree Preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• Able to work in a scheduled Bronx site location for program needs. 

• Experience working with at-risk youth is strongly preferred.

• Driver's license preferred.  Comfortable driving a 7-passenger van a plus.

• Interest in working with youth who have experienced homelessness is required.

• Strong multi-tasking skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects at once required.

• Responds to supervision and coaching in a positive manner required.

• Excellent verbal, written, and problem-solving abilities; willing and able to move throughout the day; and an upbeat, creative and fun demeanor required.

• A strong focus on child protection and ensuring the safety of residents is required.

• Overall flexibility in work schedule required, including weekends, evenings and holidays if needed.  Adherence to attendance and punctuality requirements is a must.

• Dedicated to the mission of Covenant House.

Shift: 7am, 3pm & 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (rotating)

Compensation

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to full medical, vision, dental, life and short and long-term disability insurance and other fringe benefits. Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire. PTO includes 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 holidays, 13 sick days, 5 personal days, and birthday days off. Benefits include a 403b with employer contribution after 12 months. There are also multiple additional optional benefits (including additional life, disability, accident, and cancer insurance) available at significantly reduced rates."CH is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered."

Covenant House New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer