Housing Residential Specialist (2nd/3rd Shift) M-TH 7pm-3am, F 3pm-11pm

Residential Specialist SUMMARY:

Plays an essential role in supporting youth and young adults (YYAs) experiencing homelessness by fostering a safe, stable, and supportive living environment. Utilizing the Housing First for Youth approach, this position focuses on building positive relationships with clients, promoting life skills development, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. As part of the team, the Residential Specialist collaborates with Case Managers and other staff to provide holistic support that enhances the overall well-being and long-term stability of YYAs.

Residential Specialist ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Client Support & Housing Stability

· Utilize Housing First for Youth principles to provide individualized, youth-centered support, prioritizing stable housing without preconditions.

· Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed residential environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of all YYAs.

· Support YYAs in navigating daily living activities, reinforcing positive habits in areas such as good hygiene, housekeeping, time management, and meal preparation.

· Assist in life skills development and positive connections by facilitating and encouraging engagement in enrichment activities, social skill-building, and problem solving.

· Provide guidance and reinforcement in coping strategies, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation using a strength-based approach.

Collaboration and Team Coordination

· Work closely with case managers and other team members to ensure seamless coordination of services and alignment with each client's individualized goals.

· Document and communicate client updates, progress, or concerns through designated communication channels, ensuring timely follow-up and intervention when necessary.

· Participate in shift handovers, contributing insights and observations to support case planning and service improvement.

· Communicate with the security team and follow safety protocols to ensure a secure and stable residential environment for all YYAs.

Residential Operations and Program Support

· Monitor and maintain communal spaces, ensuring they remain clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living experience.

· Oversee adherence to program expectations, addressing any concerns with a strengths-based, youth-centered approach.

· Assist in preparing apartments for move-ins and move-outs, ensuring units are safe, clean, and welcoming.

· Support YYAs in tracking their weekly schedules, reinforcing accountability for work, school and program participation.

· Conduct rounds and apartment inspections, reinforcing program guidelines while ensuring a supportive and non-punitive environment.

Documentation and Compliance

· Ensure all interactions and services align with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and Housing First for Youth principles.

· Maintain a minimum of 20 hours of monthly productivity according to standards set by Senior Management by providing individual and groups services, as appropriate.

· Maintain accurate client records in compliance with agency procedures and funder requirements, ensuring all documentation is completed within 72 hours as per agency standards.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Carry out other duties and projects assigned to support the agency's mission, advance organizational goals, and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services.

GENERAL DAYBREAK DUTIES:

Advocacy and Leadership and Youth-Centered Approach

· Advocate for and support YYAs experiencing homelessness, exemplifying belief in their potential and fostering empowerment, self-sufficiency, and independence.

· Deliver youth-centered services grounded in Housing First for Youth principles, prioritizing safety, stability, and individualized goals.

· Respect client autonomy while empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve long-term stability.

· Model professionalism, demonstrate constructive problem-solving, and maintain openness to diverse perspectives, promoting a positive and inclusive work environment.

Compliance and Policy Adherence

· Complete all assigned duties in alignment with the agency's Mission, Vision, Core Values, and policies, ensuring compliance with stakeholder requirements, and Housing First for Youth principles, while fostering positive relationships with clients, staff, vendors, donors, and external partners.

· Notify supervisors of any emergencies, including criminal activities, high-risk behavior, mental health crises, health emergencies, or safety/security concerns.

· Refrain from dual relationships or ethical violations and consult supervisors regarding any potential risks to client rights.

· Maintain professional boundaries and prioritize the well-being of clients and co-workers.

· Drive Daybreak vehicles as needed, adhering to safety protocols and agency guidelines.

Teamwork, Communication, and Supervision

· Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment by demonstrating trust and respect for colleagues and actively contributing to team success.

· Meet regularly with supervisor to discuss job responsibilities, address challenges, develop solutions to enhance services and program effectiveness, and proactively communicate any issues that may impact clients, staff, or agency operations.

Training and Professional Development

· Meet and consult regularly with a supervisor to problem-solve client issues, discuss progress, and receive guidance. Consult with the Program Director and/or Clinical Director as appropriate.

· Maintain an LSW/LPC licensure (if applicable) and adhere to standards set by the Social Worker Board, Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and CARF.

· Attend ongoing and required training and professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices, strategies, and approaches for effectively serving YYAs experiencing homelessness.

· Complete mandatory in-service training hours and certifications to ensure compliance and professional growth.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To successfully perform this role, an individual must be able to complete each essential duty effectively. The requirements listed below represent the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing the essential functions of the role.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

· Associate's Degree (A.A.) in Human Services or related field from an accredited institution is required. Bachelor's degree in Human Services preferred.

· At least two (2) years of experience working directly with YYAs, preferably those experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

CORE COMPETENCIES and SKILLS

Skills and Abilities

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Proficiency in basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.

· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining high performance standards.

· Ability to work well within a team, contributing positively to group dynamics and collaborative efforts.

· Exceptional organizational and time management abilities to effectively balance multiple tasks and responsibilities.

· Ability to follow directions and complete tasks efficiently and accurately.

· Strong problem-solving skills with the flexibility to adapt to shifting needs and priorities.

· Ability to remain adaptable and responsive to the diverse and evolving needs of YYAs.

Language Skills

· Ability to read and comprehend procedures, instructions, correspondence, and emails.

· Strong written communications skills, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and attention to spelling and grammar.

· Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings to clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Mathematical Skills

· Proficiency in basic math operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability

· Ability to apply practical judgement to follow instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form.

· Strong analytical skills to address problems involving multiple variables while working within established guidelines and procedures.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

· Valid Ohio Driver's License

· Safe Driving Record per Motor Vehicle Record check

· Current Automobile Insurance

· CPR/FA Certification

· CPI Certification

· LSW/LPC (if applicable)

· LISW/LPCC (if applicable)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Regularly required to talk and hear.

· Frequently required to stand, sit, and use hands to manipulate or handle objects.

· Occasionally required to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

· Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in an office setting as well as in the community, requiring visits to clients' homes and accompaniment to public places.
• Employees may occasionally be exposed to various weather conditions while traveling or conducting home visits.
• Home visits may involve exposure to pests, varying cleanliness levels, and other environmental factors.
• The noise level in the work environment is generally moderate.