Job Title: Residential Support Staff – My Friend’s House Shelter (MFH)

Hourly: Non-Exempt Status

Reports to: Residential Support Staff Supervisor/ Emergency Shelter Director

General Purpose:

Responsible for implementing the facility’s structured program and for providing an environment of consistent structure, guidance and nurturance in the shelter.

Essential Functions:

• Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of the children, as outlined in each child’s plan of service
• Have a working knowledge of Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Trauma Informed Care, Normalcy, Compassion Fatigue & Self-Care
• Helps provide a living style that is growth producing and which stimulates self-confidence, trust, and love of people
• Remains attentive to the physical, emotional, and academic growth of the children under their supervision
• Provides continual recognition of children’s strengths and gradual succesess
• Utilizes the therapeutic approach to improve children’s self-image, learn effective problem solving skills and daily living skills
• Be familiar with and complete intake process:
• Maintain paperwork
• Prepare hygiene boxes/welcome baskets
• Provide nutrition
• Provide clothing if needed

• Monitor children’s behaviors and location throughout the whole shift by using a 15-minute check system
• Prepare and adhere to safety plans of children
• Potentially handle high pressure situations, such as, but not limited to: self-harming behavior, runaways, police/ambulance matters, etc.
• Utilize a trauma-informed approach to improve children’s self-worth, learn effective problem-solving skills and self-regulation skills
• Provide all basic needs to children such as, but not limited to, bathing, changing diapers, preparing meals, medical care, transportation, etc.
• Perform daily cleaning responsibilities of children’s living quarters, including laundry, backyard area
• Communicates information through various means to the other Residential Support Staff regarding issues that may impact their shifts while working with the children
• Work collaboratively with case managers
• Supervises, coordinates and participates children’s activities, behaviors and locations
• Administration of prescription medication
• Reports needed house repairs to Operations Coordinator
• Participates in training and maintains training requirements to develop and enhance skills
• Maintains medical records, daily report sheets and incident reports as necessary
• Performs other assignments and duties as requested

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:

• High School Degree or equivalent is required. Some college or college degree is preferred.
• The ability to effectively work and communicate (oral and written) with individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organization and time management skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with children in a therapeutic/residential setting or related experience.
• Knowledge of issues related to youth/young adult homelessness, abuse and neglect, life skills, child and adolescent development.
• CPR certification must be current or obtained within 30 days of hire. Willingness to take first aid training and de-escalation training.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screen as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Have a required of TB testing showing employee is free of contagious TB.
• Submit to a criminal background check, FBI background check, and DFPS background check as required by regulatory agencies.
• Valid driver's license and auto insurance.
• At least age 21 or older
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public.
• This position is funded through state and federal grants and is subject to termination if funding ceases.

General Agency Requirements:

Immediately report any suspected abuse/neglect of a child within 24 hours

Set high standard of professional, technical, personal conduct and competence for team

Emphasize safety to keep employee injury to a minimum

Minimum physical requirements

Ability to use up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously to move objects and/or people

Good depth perception

Ability to bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, lift, carry, pull, climb and kneel with approximately 50% of time spent walking or standing

Ability to recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative, in addition to differentiating tone and volumes in conversation

Knowledge and use of Universal Precautions

This position could be funded through state and federal contracts and grants and is subject to termination if funding ceases. City House Inc. reserves the right to revise and change the description and specifications as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.