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

Job Description

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

Company: Avalon Housing

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” position in Ann Arbor, MI, appears to be on the lower end of the scale when compared to industry standards for similar roles, particularly in the context of providing support in residential settings for individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges. According to various salary reports, the typical pay range for such positions in Michigan often falls between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications, with many organizations offering benefits that enhance overall compensation. Given the rising cost of living and wage fluctuations, especially in urban areas like Ann Arbor, this pay may not be seen as competitive or sufficient to attract highly qualified candidates while ensuring retention in such a challenging role.

Job description:

At Avalon, we believe that housing is a fundamental human right. Our vision is to foster a community where every individual has a home and the opportunity to thrive. We are dedicated to creating supportive housing communities as a sustainable solution to homelessness.

Avalon Housing is a non-profit organization that provides supportive housing, which combines affordable housing—developed by us—with essential services such as case management. Our efforts extend beyond simply helping individuals secure housing; our property managers and support coordinators are committed to ensuring that residents maintain their homes. Although this work can be challenging, as one resident remarked, "Avalon will get in the trenches with you."

The individuals we serve often face numerous challenges, including mental health issues, substance use disorders, chronic medical conditions, and a history of long-term homelessness. As a Residential Support Specialist (RSS), you will be part of Avalon’s dedicated 24-hour front-line support team. Your primary responsibilities will include monitoring front desk operations, responding to tenant and visitor inquiries, and providing hands-on assistance as needed.

Key Benefits for Avalon Staff:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy three weeks of vacation time, additional sick and personal time, and an extra paid holiday each month.
• Medical Coverage: Full-time employees have the option to select from three medical insurance plans, including dental, vision, and prescription coverage for family members, with an annual personal deductible capped at $1,000.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Staff members working more than 16 hours per week receive life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage, with Avalon covering the premium costs.
• Retirement Savings: Avalon supports employees through a 403(b) retirement plan offered via Vanguard, accessible to all employees.

Core Responsibilities:

• Manage visitor check-in and check-out processes, answer phone calls, and monitor security systems.
• Ensure the safety and security of residents by overseeing general access areas and enforcing program regulations.
• Intervene during crises, respond to emergencies, and take necessary action, including contacting emergency response services.
• Coordinate tenant services and liaise with external service providers as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with onsite staff and visiting service providers, making appropriate referrals to clinical and other staff members.
• Initiate maintenance requests as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, retreats, and professional training sessions.

Supplemental Responsibilities:

• Depending on the location, assist tenants with activities of daily living, including transportation, meal preparation, medication management, shopping, and other direct support.
• Participate in a weekly on-call rotation; on-call shifts are compensated at an hourly rate plus bonuses.
• Engage in required training within the first 30 days of employment, with certain training sessions occurring outside regular shift hours. All training time will be compensated.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to interact positively and non-judgmentally with a diverse range of individuals, including staff and tenants.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• A minimum of one year of experience working with individuals who are homeless or facing challenges related to mental illness, chronic health issues, or substance use disorders, or relevant educational experience in social or behavioral sciences.
• Capability to respond effectively in crisis situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in computer use, including email, web research, and online documentation.
• A highly positive and enthusiastic demeanor, with a strong commitment to assisting those in need.
• Interest in and experience working with individuals who may be difficult to engage in traditional programs, along with an understanding of, or acceptance of, harm reduction principles.

Physical Demands:
The physical requirements outlined here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

The role involves extended periods of sitting, operating a vehicle with passengers, effective communication, lifting and carrying items up to 25 pounds, and utilizing computer systems. A valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable transportation are necessary.

Avalon Housing is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks applications from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and historically marginalized groups, including but not limited to LGBTQ+ individuals, people living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and those with lived experiences of homelessness or recovery from substance use disorders. We also encourage individuals with criminal histories to apply, as we do not request criminal history information before an employment offer is extended and consider such histories only if they are directly related to the responsibilities of the role.

Job Posting Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:34:16 GMT

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