JOB SUMMARY

The Resident Advisor monitors the Independent Living apartments and homes and ensures the residents follow program guidelines. The Resident Advisor provides encouragement and guidance to the residents to promote a safe and positive community of young adults. The Resident Advisor must exhibit the intellectual and emotional maturity required to work with residents who have social challenges and need assistance in preparation for transitioning to independence due to developmental delays, mental health needs and trauma. This position requires respect and compassionate understanding for the residents and the ability to balance the need for nurture and structure and effectively model and teach independent living skills. The Resident Advisor must have the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships with the residents and co-workers, effectively communicate with others, solve problems and regulate their own behavior in all situations. The Resident Advisor must maintain a healthy value system, including moral and ethical behavior consistent with the agency's mission and core values.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work independently and in cooperation with other staff and the residents to provide a safe, clean, orderly environment for all residents.
• Learn and effectively use the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) model of care, along with other evidenced-based trauma informed models such as the Satori Alternatives for Managing Aggression (SAMA).
• Develop a relationship with each resident.
• Promote healthy, respectful relationships between the residents.
• Hold residents accountable for their behavior and adherence to program guidelines.
• Proactively teach self-regulation techniques and life skills.
• Role model for residents the attitudes and behaviors that lead to success in the workplace.
• Serve as a resource to residents needing assistance or guidance.
• Support the participation of residents in completing their plan to achieve independence.
• Manage agency funds, resources and equipment, assigned to and for their use, safely and according to agency policy and procedures.
• Complete required documentation to promote accountability, growth and sound apartment management.
• Ensure all facilities and equipment are clean, organized and maintained.
• Consistently comply with all minimum standards, and policies which apply to the home and to cooperate with Methodist Children's Home (MCH) on standards which apply not only to the homes but to the agency as a whole.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a 24-hour per day live-in position with a living space provided.  Housing should be discussed and agreed upon at acceptance of employment. The typical schedule is seven days on and seven days off. The Resident Advisor needs to be accessible to the residents at all times while on duty. The Resident Advisor schedule will be determined by the employee's supervisor. An automobile for frequent in-town travel and occasional out-of-town travel is required. Mileage reimbursement is provided for use of personal automobiles for approved business purposes.  A technology stipend is provided to support the communication requirements of this position.

All employees are treated as individuals, even when hired as part of a live-in couple arrangement. Individualized responsibilities may vary between employees based on operational and programmatic needs. Employees may also be required to work in homes other than their primary residence as assigned to maintain programmatic fidelity.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

Resident Advisor must have a high school diploma. Further education and experience in childcare- related fields, transition planning and teaching life skills are preferred.  Experience working or volunteering with youth and young adults, preferably youth from under-served communities is strongly preferred. 

TRAINING

Training hours must be completed annually to comply with MCH policy. The employee's supervisor may require additional training to meet specific job requirements or enhance professional growth.  Completion of training requirements is mandatory for continued employment.

OTHER

Resident Advisor must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid Texas Driver's License, an excellent driving record that meets the standards set forth by the liability insurance company and Methodist Children's Home, no criminal history and acceptable references.

CLOSING STATEMENT

I have reviewed the job description for the position of Resident Advisor and understand I must be able to perform the duties outlined above. The Physical Demands/Requirements of the position are provided in another document and discussed at hire. I understand that there are additional live-in employee agreements that I must follow in order to remain in good standing with the company.  I understand that, if applying as a couple, both persons much complete an individual employment application and will maintain individualized employment with the company.  I understand that due to the complexities of the position all duties and responsibilities may not be outlined in this job description and the duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change. I understand I am employed at will and may be discharged at any time without notice or cause and that I will be required to leave MCH housing upon notice by MCH.