Residential Aide, New Providence

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Organization Description

Project Renewal is a non-profit organization with the mission of ending homelessness by empowering men and women struggling with addiction and/or mental illness to rebuild their lives with renewed health, homes, and jobs.

Title:  Residential Aide

Program:    New Providence Women’s Shelter

Program Description

New Providence Women’s Shelter is a 130 bed 24/7 emergency shelter for homeless women diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance abuse.  Our comprehensive services include case management, individual and group counseling, recreational activities and housing placement assistance.  Additionally, an on-site medical and psychiatric clinic operates Monday through Friday, staffed by a nurse, primary care physician and two psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Overall Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Residential Aide (RA)  Supervisor, with some latitude for independent action, the RA provide direct assistance, support and care to clients residing in the shelter. The RA manages the day-to-day activities of operations at New Providence. The RA is the primary connection between the operations and clinical staff and the client. The RA will spend a large amount of time supporting, assisting and enforcing shelter rules with clients. RA’s also serve as the liaison to the current atmosphere in the facility and what are the current client complaints or recommendations. RA’s is also responsible for providing security and safety for all clients and staff. All RA’s are to adhere to the rules and regulations of the shelter and as stated in the provided handbook.

Candidate must be able to work all shifts (day, evening, overnight and weekends) and be able to work mandatory overtime since coverage must be provided around the clock.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential duties of the Residential Aide include but are not limited to the following: 

  • Coordinate and ensures the overall cleanliness and good order of the facility

  • Coordinate and verifies client movement in the facility in conjunction with other operation and clinical staff; while also monitoring the client conduct and overall behavior during tour of duty

  • Report incidents, accidents and client/resident concerns or problems immediately via incident report and/or log book. (Write detailed incident reports regarding client activity and the condition of the entire shelter building)

  • Document the status of the facility in the staff communication logbook every 15minutes during each shift

  • Distribute and document the receipt of clients’/residents’ mail and packages; conducts inspection for contraband according to established organizational policy

  • Conduct rounds throughout the facility and surrounding areas every 15minutes

  • During your shift “Room Runs” are needed to assess cleanliness, safety and operating order of plant structure, plumbing, fire extinguishers, and safety kits. Document any violation, notify residential aide supervisor and generate appropriate work order

  • In the event off an emergency, contact appropriate outside emergency response personnel (EMS, Police, Fire Department), appropriately document in the staff communication book the names of those contacted, the time of the contact, and the action taken. Complete incident report and submit by deadline.

  • Conducts searches of client suspected of introducing contraband into the facility, according to established organizational policy and procedure; document findings and notifies supervisor(s)

  • Picks up Metro-cards and ensure all metro-cards issued are documented and accounted for

  • Overnight shift ensures that all movement and count sheets are accurate

  • Distributes mail, appointment slips and other documentation to clients

  • Monitor client self-administration of prescription and over-the-counter medications

  • Attend mandatory and Participate in trainings and monthly staff meetings

  • Manages CARES, the DHS client database

  • Must be available to work as needed or when the work schedule rotates to meet facility needs.

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Aide Supervisor, Operations Director or Shelter Director.

Physical Activities

Job duties generally require the physical activities described below, subject to any necessary reasonable accommodation due to disability. While performing the duties of this position, the Residential Aide must walk the floors of the facility, traveling up and down both of the two staircases. While the facility does have an elevator that travels to each of the (6) dorm floors of New Providence Women’s Shelter staff may be required to use either staircase to travel to the dorm floors staircase A has 87 steps and Staircase B has 88 steps.

In addition, the Residential Aide must be able to stand and bend for long periods of time.

Education Requirements

All candidates must have a High School Diploma/GED from an accredited college or university.  Associates degree in Social Work or other human services field is preferred.

Experience Requirements

A minimum of three years of experience working with homeless Mentally Ill and Chemical Affected also known as (MICA) individuals or other special needs populations preferred.

Preferred skills

Team Building: The ability to motivate all staff and to work collaboratively with staff from other programs to provide the most beneficial services to the clients.

Communication: Excellent oral, writing and listening skills.

Organizational skills: An ability to work independently and to initiate actions to support the efforts of the staff and the clients.

Interpersonal skills: An ability to relate with clients as well as all levels of staff.

Computer skills: Knowledge of case management software’s, as well as a proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially e-mail, WORD and EXCEL. 

To apply: e-mail resume and cover letter indicating position and salary requirements to: careers@projectrenewal.org  EOE.