Resident Assistant II #903521

Position: Resident Assistant II #903523

Program: Youth Housing

Department: Youth Services

Reports to: Residential Supervisor

Compensation: $21.00-$27.71 per hour, plus $1.75 per hour Shift Differential Premium for hours worked between 6pm-6am

Schedule: Saturday-Wednesday 3:00pm-11:30pm

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and 403(b) Retirement Plan

CENTER’S MISSION: Building a world where LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society.

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Youth Center serves youth up to the age of 24 who are currently at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.  The Youth Center offers services in an LGBTQ safe and affirming environment and serves as an entry point to assist youth making the transition from homelessness to housing.  Our services include meals, clothing, support groups, a charter high school, GED and college prep program, an employment preparation, training and placement program, case management, counseling, a crisis shelter and a transitional living program (TLP).  Our community-based programs include services for youth at-home, in school or in systems of care.

JOB SUMMARY: The Resident Assistant II provides direct oversight and care to Youth Center members and residents. This position is responsible for being an after-hours presence for LGBTQ sheltered youth at the Center’s emergency overnight and transitional living programs. This position works with a resident population that is currently or formerly experiencing homelessness and has high rates of health, mental health, and substance-related issues. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•    Follow a framework of care goals and department protocols to ensure member and resident safety, provide crisis intervention and de-escalation along a spectrum of intervention techniques.

•    Implement philosophy-of-care, house rules, including housing-first, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed care principles.

•    Provide a welcoming presence onsite for members and residents to engage with by answering questions and providing information.

•    Monitor resident access, including appropriate entry and departure, and oversee residential spaces to safeguard resident care.

•    Assist with the mediation of conflicts that arise and attempt to de-escalate residents who are exhibiting behavior that is anxious/aggressive or may be violating house rules. 

•    Assist with the assessment of residents experiencing severe mental health symptoms and contact Psychiatric Medical Response Team (PMRT) if a resident exhibits behavior that is harmful to self or others.

•    Contact emergency services (e.g. police, ambulance, fire department, PMRT) in cases of emergency, such as a health or mental health crisis, fire, or presence of unauthorized persons. 

•    Assist with the coordination of case management, housing, and other onsite service staff on behalf of residents that need after-hours monitoring, follow-up, or assistance.

•    Gain understanding of resident-specific personal and medical needs to best support residents and create appropriate relationships which promote the resident’s case plan.

•    In partnership with the residential team, support case plan goals through regular communication, housing search, and referrals for education, employment, and physical and mental health resources.

•    Plan and facilitate onsite programming, events, and social activities for member/resident engagement utilizing a Positive Youth Development framework.

•    Establish and maintain the upkeep and cleanliness of the youth center and residential program and assist residents with maintaining the cleanliness of their living spaces.

•    Follow alarm procedures and address disturbances in a safe manner, calling proper authorities if necessary.

•    Follow communication protocols to inform appropriate Center staff/departments regarding emergency issues, including after-hours Facilities maintenance.

•    Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as calls to emergency services, criminal activity, property damage, theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or other unusual occurrences.

•    Assist with the coordination of onsite evening/weekend events and social activities for member/resident engagement.

•    Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as calls to emergency services, criminal activity such as property damage and theft, presence of unauthorized persons, or other unusual occurrences.

•    Participate in staff meetings, planning meetings and other meetings as needed.

•    Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of or experience working with the LGBTQ community and familiarity with issues of particular relevance to LGBTQ people.

A passion for the Center’s work and its mission to make the world a better place for LGBTQ people.

Knowledge of and sensitive to the issues affecting LGBTQ youth, particularly those who have experienced homelessness, are at-risk, and/or may have substance abuse and mental health issues.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expression, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration status, and physical abilities in a multicultural environment.

Trained in motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and mental health first aid preferred, but training within first 6 months of employment can be provided, if necessary

Minimum 3 years’ experience in related field, specifically working with youth experiencing homelessness/housing instability, foster youth, and/or mental illness, low-income, or individuals experiencing homelessness.

Ability to implement housing-first, harm-reduction, trauma-informed care principles.

Experience with substance abuse case management and crisis intervention.

Effective problem-solving skills and ability to multi-task.

Self-motivated, energetic, flexible and the ability to work in a team environment.

Good verbal and written communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills with a high level of attention to detail.

Computer skills including MS Office and Teams, as well as general knowledge of other software systems.

Access to reliable transportation.

Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call hours.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Bilingual skills (English/Spanish fluency, ASL a plus).

The Los Angeles LGBT Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering diversity within its staff. Applications are encouraged from all persons regardless of their race, color, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, religion, disability, age, military or veteran status, including status as a victim of domestic violence, assault or stalking, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation or activities, medical or health conditions, and marital status.

The Center has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy as a condition of employment for all employees who work on the Center’s premises, subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please contact jobs@lalgbtcenter.org.