GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The resident advisor provides support and general supervision, oversees the therapeutic milieu and day-to-day functioning of our clients while representing the agency in a positive light. Resident advisors, with support from the clinical treatment team, maintain a safe and healthy therapeutic environment. This is an awake position that provides staff coverage during all shifts including holidays; twenty-four hours a day seven days a week.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. Support and supervise residents in the execution of their daily activity plans:

1. Supervise and assist residents with planning, shopping and preparation of nutritious meals.
2. Oversee residents’ grooming and personal hygiene (i.e. daily bathing, dental, nail, hair care and personal laundry)
3. Supervise and assist residents with daily housekeeping tasks.
4. Provide access to medical care (i.e. basic first aid, arranging appointments, transporting to medical facilities, assessing need and arranging for urgent or emergency care.)
5. Administer medication under the guidelines and regulations of the DCF Medication Administrations Policies.
6. Provide consistency and continuity of individual treatment programs for each resident.
7. Support residents’ educational plans and progress.
8. Support residents’ vocational goals and employment efforts.
9. Fosters a stable and therapeutic environment by maintaining the values and principles of the Therapeutic Group Home philosophy, Risking Connections, while focusing on the meaning of behavior and trauma histories of the residents.
10. Promotes a positive, communicative environment with all client providers and assists clients in maintaining appropriate contact.
11. Assist in implementing of plans for cultural and recreational activities, mentoring opportunities, community connections and other avenues designed to broaden the residents’ positive life experiences.

II. Maintain a safe, harm-free environment for all residents as follows:

1. Protects residents from aggressive behaviors of other residents by preventing physical fights, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, hazing, theft and borrowing of property.
2. Monitor the behavior of visitors and report any unauthorized people on the grounds of the residence.
3. Assure fire prevention measures are followed.
4. Document and report all incidents of risky or unsafe resident behavior (i.e. substance abuse, SIB, etc.)
5. Provide and maintain a consistent, structured, yet flexible framework for daily routines, house rules and policies.
6. Foster positive resident behaviors by modeling and teaching constructive communication and conflict resolution.

III. Transport residents to school, activities, medical and counseling appointments, recreational activities, bus and train terminals and shopping excursions.

IV. Lead resident discussion groups to convey instructions, share information, organize group activities and resolve conflicts.

V. Completes daily and monthly reports, critical incidents and assigned paperwork in an accurate and timely manner; in accordance with PNMI Standards.

VI. Attend weekly staff meeting and participates in Agency training programs as assigned by the Supervisor and/or the Program Director.

QUALIFICATIONS: An Associate’s Degree in a human service field and experience working with behaviorally challenged and at-risk adolescents. Must have the ability to relate to a variety of people and situations, to work with other staff members as part of a team, provide a positive role model and represent positive cultural and moral values. Familiar with Trauma Theory, Female Development, Female-Responsive principals, and relational strength-based approaches to care. Good verbal and written communication skills.

The employee must present a current valid driver’s license and have available, use of a safe and roadworthy vehicle. The employee shall ensure the Agency has proof of suitable automobile insurance at all times.

Upon hire or shortly thereafter, the employee must acquire and present the following:

• A currently valid DCF certification to administer medications
• A currently valid certification in CPR
• A certificate of successful completion of a First Aid Course
• A certificate of completion in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
• A certificate of completion in Risking Connections

The employee is required to be able to operate a personal computer with proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word. The applicant/employee must pass a State Police check, a drug screening exam, a DCF protective service background check and a motor vehicle check.

REPORTS TO: Supervisor