LifeBASE Respite Resident Assistant
JOB DESCRIPTION
The LifeBASE Respite Resident Assistant (RRA) works in the home with current and or former foster youth ages 18 and older transitioning from substitute care to adulthood as needed when the full-time RA has scheduled or unplanned time off. S/he will provide general oversight, counsel, correction, and accountability for youth as they work toward their individual goals. The RRA continues to live in his/her own home and works as needed. The position is a volunteer position. This section describes the primary responsibilities associated with being an RA. Please note: the primary responsibilities are not limited to this list.
Know and understand the rules established in order to maintain consistency.
Provide a safe, unstructured, nurturing environment that encourages youth engagement and sense of belonging in the home.
Reside in Immerse Arkansas Housing with youth assigned to the home.
Act as a productive role model for youth in Immerse Arkansas Housing; modeling good habits related to cooking, self-care, time management and cleanliness in the home.
Meet once a week with each young adult in the home to review goals, concerns, upcoming events and program compliance.
Attends meetings and individual supervision to discuss youth and program related issues.
Conduct a weekly house meeting with youth addressing goals, positive praise and concerns/issues within the home environment.
Develop, plan, and carry out one activity/outing each month with assigned youth.
Participate in weekly/monthly meetings with other program staff to assess the youth’s progress in the program and make recommendations for advancement when appropriate. (including a weekly meeting with the program supervisor and weekly staff meetings)
Alert supervisor to issues related to youth’s progress, safety and general wellbeing.
Be responsible for timely and accurate communication within the program. (documenting incident reports, verbal reports, monthly fire drills, quarterly disaster drills, weekly RA reports, cleaning inspections etc.)
Offer a weekly Bible study/Reading of a book with program youth.
Participate in various Immerse Arkansas events as requested by the supervisor and/or to support youth to include but not limited to: The Gathering, Immerse sponsored youth trips/outings, mentor connecting events, and other Immerse events. (RA’s typically provide residents in their house transportation to/from events when needed)
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
All employees will be thoroughly committed to Immerse’s mission. The ideal candidate will embrace Immerse’s values of with, worship, and scrappy (visit our About Page to learn what this means!). All candidates should have the following qualifications and experience:
Education: Minimum of 21 years old with some college, preferred. Bachelor’s degree desired.
Experience: Two years of working with youth who are at-risk or in foster care and/or their families; preferably in a residential treatment setting, social service organization, and/or foster care system.
Additional Requirements:
Willingness to be available at least 24 days per year, on an “as-needed” basis.
Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel and be familiar with Google products.
Must be able to reside in a college-style setting with youth.
Must be available evenings, weekends and on-call as assigned, during identified days.
Must have a driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Must be able to travel within the assigned region on a daily basis.
Must maintain current certification in CPR, First Aid, and other certifications determined by the program.
Must successfully complete the required background checks and drug screening.
Additional Abilities
Ability to create and maintain a living environment conducive to success.
Ability to demonstrate competence and consistent implementation of the core components of the Immerse Arkansas program model.
Ability to work cooperatively and productively with supervisors, co-workers, youth, and volunteers; to work effectively as a team member of an interdisciplinary team; to maintain professional relationships; to resolve conflicts appropriately and use the proper chain of command when communicating
Ability to grow professionally and learn new skills; to accept constructive feedback and modify behavior accordingly
Ability to lead others in working in a sometimes stressful and unpredictable environment; skilled in handling crisis situations without overreaction and loss of objectivity
Ability to contribute to the positive and healthy morale of the work and home environment.
Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures
Ability to lead small and large groups; teach and model Independent Living Skills.
Ability to “see the best” in young adults in your care and maintain an optimistic outlook.
Knowledge of computers and software applications.
Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively with youth, volunteers, community leaders and co-workers.
Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to work independently and as a team player.
Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
COMPENSATION
The Respite Resident Assistant receives payment based on the number of nights covered, payable upon completion of services, at a nightly rate of $70.00.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPACT AND GROWTH
The Respite Resident Assistant has a unique opportunity to deeply impact the young adult in their home in several ways:
Discipleship/ Shepherding: over time the youth will open up and share their hearts, living life on life with them each day allows a great influence and louder voice in their lives.
Role Modeling: allows the youth to experience by observing a life committed to following Christ but also what being healthy looks like (this could be their first exposure to both of these).
Expanding Outreach Capacity: the Resident Assistant will expand their ability to connect, engage, love, and lead others with different cultures, backgrounds, emotional injuries, and purposes. The Resident Assistant will be trained in Trauma Informed Care which will teach sensitivity to individuals who have experienced acute to complex trauma.
ABOUT IMMERSE ARKANSAS
Immerse Arkansas was founded in 2010 with the mission of transforming youth from crisis into overcomers. We provide supports for youth between the ages of 14 and 24, whose past trauma and challenges have created barriers to becoming independent, healthy, successful adults.
Immerse Arkansas works with youth and families to address the underlying trauma resulting from abuse or neglect. We build a comprehensive support structure, or “tribe,” for each individual and invest the time necessary to help youth heal and overcome life’s challenges and find wellness, community, and purpose.
TO APPLY
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to careers@immersearkansas.org with “LifeBASE Respite Resident Assistant” as the subject line of the email.