JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Residential Aide

Program/Department: Aston

Reports to: RA Coordinator, Asst Director Location: Washington, DC

Work Arrangement: On-site only

Hours: Facility is open 24 hours/day. This position is Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 AM - .4 FTE

Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly) Classification: Protection Sensitive

Wage: Compensation for this position will be no less than the minimum hourly wage and fringe benefits required by the applicable U.S. DOL Wage Determination. The organization may elect to pay above these minimum requirements.

SCA Compliant: Yes

Our Core Values: Friendship Place is a Person-First Organization that promotes transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to perform their job duties in a manner consistent with our core values.

Summary: The Aston is a non-congregate shelter serving single adults and adult households without children experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia. The Aston can serve up to 190 residents across a variety of shelter bed environments, including medically vulnerable and medical respite beds, work beds, beds for seniors, ADA beds, and beds for couples and families with non-minor dependents. All residents of The Aston are matched through the Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement (CAHP) system and are targeted to enter stable housing destinations within 3-6 months of program entry. Residential Aides provide 24/7 on-site services to residents by ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. The position completes intake procedures for newly assigned residents and routine rounds/inspections of assigned residential floors. Residential Aides work collaboratively with program staff to ensure high-quality services are always provided and that all documentation is completed each shift. The position also supports residents by distributing essential resources, including meals, hygiene supplies, laundry supplies, linens, towels, and other available resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides appropriate support and oversight of residents, units, and grounds of The Aston always to ensure the security and safety of residents, staff, and visitors.
• Supports and reinforces program policies and program rules for residents.
• Conducts intake processes for newly assigned residents to The Aston; Explains program rules, rights, responsibilities, building procedures/schedule, and unit assignments.
• Provides de-escalation services to residents and contacts crisis services (MPD, Mobile Crisis, CRT, etc.) as necessary.
• Submits daily shift notes to the Shift Supervisor, including a shift log of all shift activities.
• Ensures appropriate noise levels within the building and enforces guidelines for quiet hours (overnight)
• Performs weekly and as-needed inspections of units; completes and submits all required documentation.
• Reports on maintenance and building concerns to the Shift Supervisor.
• Actively supports and ensures the success of required fire/evacuation.
• Ensures detailed completion and submission of all Unusual Incident Reports (UIR) or Critical Incident Reports (CIR) in the required timeframe during each shift.
• Supports meal delivery, distribution, storage, and disposal.
• Distribute residential supplies and support to residents (cleaning, hygiene, laundry, bedding, etc.).
• Actively participate in case meetings, staff meetings, and supervisions.
• Actively attend and participate in all required training per contract requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Competencies and Work Expectations for All Staff

Communication: Employee must:

• Demonstrate strong intra- and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively express ideas and needs. This includes communicating clearly and respectfully with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Demonstrate active listening, emotional awareness, and the ability to adapt their communication style to different individuals and situations.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication responsiveness and professionalism, including timely responses to emails, phone calls, messages, and other forms of communication within established organizational timeframes.
• Understand that timely communication is an essential function of the position, and failure to maintain consistent communication may impact performance expectations.

Accountability: Employee must:

• Demonstrate a high level of accountability, including ownership of responsibilities, meeting deadlines, following through on commitments, and accepting constructive feedback.
• Be committed to Growth and Development and strive to build knowledge, skills, and best practices.
• Maintain consistent attendance, dependability, and reliability as a critical function of the role.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, including integrity, honesty, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability for actions.
• Work successfully in a team environment as well as independently.

Respectful Workplace: Employee must:

• Treat all individuals with dignity, professionalism, and respect, including coworkers, supervisors, participants, vendors, and community partners.
• Demonstrate emotional professionalism, including the ability to communicate professionally during conflict or challenging situations.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment, free from hostility, intimidation, gossip, disruptive conduct, or unprofessional interaction.

Qualifications - Education & Experience

• HS Diploma/GED and 2 years of general work experience, including one (1) year of direct human service experience.
• Associate and/or bachelor's degree with six (6) months of direct human service experience (Preferred)
• Two (2) years of lived experience may substitute for one (1) year of relevant work experience
• Must have or be able to obtain a First Aid/CPR/AED certification that includes a hands-on skills testing module. (Friendship Place will provide First Aid/CPR/AED training)
• Experience working with individuals with mental health concerns or addiction preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent Customer Service - Displays kindness and respect and meets service expectations.
• Ability and willingness to work in a diverse and challenging environment.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word; ability to learn database programs.
• Ability to maintain healthy and professional boundaries.
• Must be able to arrive at work and scheduled meetings on time.
• Strong commitment to Friendship Place’s mission, vision, and core values.
• This role involves working closely with individuals who may be experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. At times, the work may involve exposure to emotionally sensitive or challenging situations. Employees must be compassionate, self-aware, and able to maintain healthy boundaries while supporting others respectfully and in a trauma-informed way.

Physical and Environmental Requirements: The position will spend most of the time moving through the program site providing supportive services to residents and desk settings for required reporting. Employees must be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time with repetitive motions and positions. Some lifting may be required (up to 20-25lbs).

Background checks: This position is subject to successful completion of background investigations as required by contract and applicable law, which may include but are not limited to state and federal criminal history checks, fingerprint-based checks, child/adult protective services registry checks, and other required program-specific or funding-source clearances, including pre-employment and Drug and Alcohol Screenings. Valid government-issued ID, reference checks, and verification of current and/or previous employment are required. Continued employment is contingent on maintaining required clearances throughout employment, including random drug and alcohol screenings.

Direct & Indirect Reports: None

Specific Requirements: Reliable and timely attendance at the employee’s work location is required.

Other Details

Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.

Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $18.50 - $20.23 per hour. The starting annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate’s starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements and current completed education, credentials, and work experience. Please note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.

Benefits: This position accrues sick leave based on hours worked. The position also accrues vacation hours during the first year of employment. Pro-rated SCA vacation amount earned is deposited and available on the employee's first anniversary.

Location: Washington, DC

Interview Process: Phone screening, panel-style interview, final interview.

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Statement: Friendship Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our team and want to involve all those who can contribute to our inclusive culture. We support all qualified individuals within our workforce without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, personal appearance, familial status, family responsibilities, political affiliations, matriculation, credit, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Friendship Place is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Human Resources at humanresources@friendshipplace.org