Residential Support Specialist – Full time (Tuesday- Saturday, 4 pm-12 am)-Avalon

Job Description

Job Title: Residential Support Specialist – Full time (Tuesday- Saturday, 4 pm-12 am)

Company: Avalon

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Pay: $18 – 18.01 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: The hourly rate of $18 – $18.01 for a Residential Support Specialist role in Ann Arbor, MI, appears to be on the lower end of the compensation scale for similar positions within the region. Typically, residential support or caregiver positions may offer wages ranging from $15 to $25 per hour depending on factors such as experience, specific industry requirements, and the complexity of the role. In Ann Arbor, where the cost of living is relatively high, this pay scale may not attract candidates with sufficient experience or the necessary qualifications. Overall, while the offered rate is competitive among entry-level positions, it might fall short of meeting the expectations of more experienced professionals or those with specialized skills in a full-time capacity, especially during evening shifts.

Job description:

Hiring Bonus: $750! At Avalon, we believe that housing is a fundamental human right. Our vision is to cultivate a community where all individuals have a stable home and the opportunity to thrive. We develop supportive housing communities as a sustainable solution to homelessness.

Avalon Housing operates as a non-profit supportive housing provider, combining affordable housing—which we construct—with essential services such as case management. Our mission extends beyond merely helping individuals find housing; our dedicated property managers and support coordinators are instrumental in ensuring that residents maintain their homes. As one of our tenants eloquently put it: "Avalon will get in the trenches with you."

The individuals we serve often face a variety of challenges, including mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic medical conditions, in addition to a history of persistent homelessness. As Residential Support Specialists (RSS), you will serve as front-line support staff available 24/7. Your role will involve monitoring front desk operations, addressing inquiries from tenants and visitors, and providing hands-on assistance as required.

Key Benefits for Avalon Staff:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy three weeks of vacation, along with additional sick and personal time. We also provide an extra paid holiday each month!

• Medical Insurance: Full-time employees can select from three different medical insurance plans, including dental, vision, and prescription coverage for themselves and their families. The maximum annual deductible is capped at $1,000.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employees working over 16 hours per week are provided with Life insurance as well as Short- and Long-Term Disability plans, with Avalon covering the premium costs.

• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Avalon sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan through Vanguard, accessible to all employees.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage visitor check-in and check-out processes, respond to phone inquiries, and oversee security systems.
• Ensure the safety and security of residents by monitoring common access areas and enforcing program regulations.
• Intervene in crisis situations, respond to emergencies, and take necessary actions, including contacting emergency response teams when required.
• Coordinate services for tenants and liaise with external service providers as necessary.
• Collaborate effectively with other onsite staff and visiting service providers, referring tenants to clinical and additional support personnel as needed.
• Initiate maintenance requests as needed.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, retreats, and professional training sessions.

Supplemental Job Duties:

• Depending on the location, RSS staff may assist tenants with daily living activities, including transportation, meal preparation, medication management, shopping, and other hands-on support.
• This position requires a weekly on-call shift, compensated at hourly rates plus a bonus.
• Training is required to commence within the first 30 days of hire, with some sessions taking place outside regular shift hours—and all training time will be compensated.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to work collaboratively and compassionately with diverse individuals, including staff, in a non-judgmental manner.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• A minimum of one year’s experience working with individuals facing homelessness or challenges related to mental illness, chronic health issues, or addiction disorders, or relevant educational experience in social or behavioral science.
• Capacity to respond effectively to crisis situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in computer skills, including email, web searches, and online documentation.
• A highly positive, enthusiastic attitude with a deep commitment to assisting those in need.
• Interest and experience in engaging individuals who may be difficult to connect with, knowledge of, or alignment with harm reduction principles.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands outlined here are representative of those required to successfully perform the core functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow individuals with disabilities to fulfill essential duties.

While performing the responsibilities of this role, the employee will be expected to sit for extended periods, drive a vehicle with passengers, communicate through speech and hearing, lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds, and operate computer systems. A valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable transportation are prerequisites.

Avalon Housing is an equal opportunity employer committed to actively seeking candidates from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as historically marginalized groups. This commitment includes but is not limited to individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender or non-binary, those living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and those with lived experiences of homelessness or substance use recovery. We also encourage individuals with criminal histories to apply; information about criminal backgrounds will be solicited only after an employment offer is extended. Avalon reserves the right to exclude candidates based on criminal history if it is deemed relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

Job Posting Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:16:02 GMT

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