Resident Support Specialist-Medical Respite at Columbus House – New Haven, Connecticut

Columbus House, Inc.
Job Posting: Part Time (16 hours/week), FLSA Non-Exempt, Essential
Resident Support Specialist

VEVRAA Federal Contractor: Priority Referrals of Protected Veterans Requested

Company Overview & Mission
Columbus House opened its doors in 1982 to provide services for men and women at least 18 years of age. Our goals quickly broadened from the mere provision of food and shelter and simple survival, to understanding and working toward overcoming the problems which cause people to become homeless.
Columbus House, along with its core of loyal supporters, friends, and volunteers, has remained committed to fulfilling its mission: "To serve people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, by providing shelter and housing and by fostering their personal growth and independence."

Purpose

Under the direction of the Recovery House and Respite Manager, the Resident Support Specialist provides supervision, safety, organization, and program management support to up to 19 homeless clients in need of 24/7 shelter including those in transitional housing and those in need while they recuperate from recent medical procedures. The Resident Support Specialist networks with the greater New Haven shelters and social service system and collaborates with other Columbus House residential staff in order to provide an environment that reflects the core values of Trauma Informed Service: Safety, Trustworthiness, Choice, Collaboration and empowerment.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• High School Graduate or equivalent; Demonstrated the ability to manage, motivate and direct consumers.
• Complete knowledge base of all aspects of the delivery of residential services for the homeless population.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with a deadline-oriented mindset
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other common desk top applications.
• Able to effectively use the local network of substance abuse, mental health, and social services providers.
• Familiar with mental health, substance abuse and dual diagnosis issues and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of local housing and vocational/entitlement programs.
• Culturally competent; must possess the capacity to work within a team and foster teamwork.
• General understanding of crisis intervention skills, confidentiality, boundaries, universal precautions.
• Able to meet all documentation requirements.
• Able to foster a Harm Reduction philosophy within the work environment.
• Strong empathic skills coupled with a high degree of reliability and punctuality.
• Valid drivers’ license with a good driving.

Responsibilities

• Perform hourly wellness rounds on the floor.
• Supervise up to nineteen clients to ensure compliance with all house rules.
• Counsel clients to assist them with following their recovery service plans.
• Assist in ensuring security of the Shelter. Maintain hourly logs.
• Observe and document medication calls.
• Help move client belongings as necessary.
• Clean and disinfect rooms as clients leave ensuring rooms are well-prepared for new admissions.
• Collaborate with other agencies and social service providers.
• Attend agency and program meetings as scheduled.
• Complete all required reports/incident logs.
• Enter data into computer as directed.
• Provide shift coverage to other RS staff during their break times.
• Remain on-site to perform essential functions during emergency situations as designated by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Other related duties as assigned

Supervised by: Recovery House and Respite Manager
Pay: $18.00/hr.
Schedule: Saturday- Sunday 8am-4pm

Please send your resume and a cover letter to Human Resources Generalist, Columbus House Inc., 586 Ella Grasso Boulevard P.O. Box 7093, New Haven CT. 06519 or fax to 203-773-1430 or email to hr@columbushouse.org or apply at www.columbushouse.org

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities Encouraged to Apply