Residential Support Specialist – Part time-Avalon

Job Description

Job Title: Residential Support Specialist – Part time

Company: Avalon

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Pay: $16.85 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: The hourly rate of $16.85 for a part-time Residential Support Specialist in Ann Arbor, MI, appears to be on the lower end of the spectrum when compared to industry standards. According to various sources, including job boards and salary surveys, the typical hourly wage for similar roles in that region commonly ranges from $17 to $20, with some positions offering even higher rates depending on experience and responsibilities. Additionally, factors such as the cost of living in Ann Arbor and the demand for such roles may further influence salary expectations. Therefore, this rate might not be considered highly competitive, particularly for candidates with relevant experience or skills.

Job description:

Hiring Bonus: $500!

At Avalon, we believe that housing is a fundamental human right. Our mission is to establish healthy, safe, and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. Avalon Housing is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing supportive housing, which combines affordable housing with essential services like case management. Our approach extends beyond merely helping individuals find housing; we are committed to ensuring they can stabilize and thrive in their homes.

If you are passionate about fostering diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities where everyone is welcomed, Avalon may be the perfect place for you. The individuals we serve often face various challenges, including mental illness, substance use disorders, and chronic medical conditions, often compounded by a history of chronic homelessness. As a Residential Support Specialist (RSS), you will serve as Avalon’s front-line support staff available 24 hours a day. In this role, you will be responsible for monitoring front desk operations, addressing tenant and visitor inquiries, and providing direct assistance as needed.

Key Benefits for Avalon Staff Include:

• Paid Time Off: Staff enjoy vacation time along with additional sick and personal leave, with accrual based on hours worked. An additional paid holiday is provided every month.
• Medical Benefits: Part-time employees have the option to purchase various insurance plans, including life, critical illness, and accident coverage at competitive rates.
• Life and Disability Plans: Employees working more than 16 hours per week are provided with life insurance and short-term disability coverage, with Avalon covering the premium costs.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan: Avalon sponsors a 403(b) retirement plan through Vanguard, available to all employees.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage visitor check-in and check-out processes, answer phone calls, and monitor security systems.
• Ensure resident safety and security by supervising common areas and enforcing program policies.
• Respond to crises and emergencies, taking necessary actions including contacting emergency response services.
• Coordinate services for tenants and liaise with external service providers as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with onsite staff and visiting service providers, making appropriate referrals for tenants to clinical and other support staff.
• Initiate maintenance requests as necessary.
• Attend staff meetings, retreats, and professional development sessions.

Supplemental Job Duties:

• Depending on the location, RSS staff may assist tenants with daily living activities, which may include transportation, meal preparation, medication management, grocery shopping, and other direct support tasks.
• This position involves a weekly on-call shift; on-call shifts are compensated at hourly rates plus an additional bonus.
• Initial training must commence within the first 30 days of employment, with some training occurring outside regular shift hours. All training time is compensated.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of individuals, maintaining a non-judgmental approach.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• A minimum of one year’s experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or those facing mental health challenges, chronic health issues, or addiction disorders; relevant educational background in social or behavioral sciences is preferred.
• Ability to effectively manage crisis situations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in computer skills, including email, web searches, and online documentation.
• A positive and enthusiastic attitude, with a deep commitment to helping those in need.
• Interest and experience in engaging individuals who may be difficult to connect with traditional support programs, as well as knowledge of and acceptance of harm reduction principles.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands outlined here represent what an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities in their essential duties. While performing these responsibilities, employees will be required to sit for extended periods, drive a vehicle carrying passengers, engage in verbal communication, lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds, and operate computer hardware systems. A valid Michigan Chauffeur’s license and reliable transportation are required.

Location & Employment Status:
This position is based in Ann Arbor, MI, and is part-time with multiple shift options available, including a $1 per hour premium for midnight shifts. The hourly rate is set at $18.00. Avalon Housing offers generous benefits, including paid time off, vacation, additional holidays, Employee Assistance & Wellness programs, and life and short-term disability insurance for staff working 16 hours or more per week. An optional 403(b) retirement plan is also available.

Avalon Housing is an equal-opportunity employer, actively seeking applicants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as historically marginalized groups. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, or non-binary, those living with disabilities or mental health conditions, and individuals with lived experiences of homelessness or recovery from substance use disorders. We also encourage candidates with criminal histories to apply, as we do not inquire about criminal backgrounds until an employment offer is made. Criminal history may be considered if it directly conflicts with the responsibilities of the position.

Job Posting Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2025 01:51:32 GMT

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