Behavioral Health Resident Assistant

Overview

• Schedule: 35 hours per week; three shifts available:
• 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
• 5:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m
• 1:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m
• Location: Lower East Side, New York, NY
• Salary: $22.00 per hour, non-exempt, plus full benefits package
• Position Type: Relief (requires flexibility to cover shifts in the event of staffing shortages or emergencies)

Program Overview

The Third Street Women’s Residence is part of a broader network of services designed to support vulnerable populations. The residence provides transitional shelter and supportive services to 79 women experiencing homelessness who are living with mental health conditions and seeking permanent housing. Program staff provide a range of supportive services, including social services, housing placement assistance, and life skills development. The program works closely with residents to strengthen life management skills and support mental health stabilization. When appropriate, residents are referred to community-based organizations to further support their treatment and long-term stability.

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Resident Assistant (RA) provides direct, front-line support to residents with varying levels of mental illness, substance use challenges, and/or developmental disabilities. The RA plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and structured residential environment while assisting residents in daily living and program participation. Working closely with the Social Services team, the RA supports the program’s mission, values, and goals through resident engagement, observation, and documentation. This position reports directly to the Shift Supervisor and serves as the primary point of contact during assigned shifts. The RA acts as the program’s “eyes and ears,” providing essential information and support to both residents and clinical staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum two (2) years of experience working in a social service agency or with vulnerable populations required
• Experience working with individuals with mental health conditions, medical disabilities, and/or substance use disorders
• Experience utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) data system required
• Strong computer literacy required
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure or crisis situations
• Must be flexible and available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Certifications

The following certifications must be obtained within three (3) months of employment:

• First Aid
• CPR
• Food Handler’s License
• F-80 Certificate of Fitness for Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems
• PPD clearance

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support

• Assist residents in developing life management skills and maintaining mental health stability.
• Support the implementation of therapeutic recreation and socialization activities.
• Foster a safe, respectful, and supportive living environment for all residents.

Monitoring and Documentation

• Observe and report changes in residents’ physical, mental, and behavioral conditions to the Social Services team.
• Maintain accurate and timely daily logs, including documentation of incidents, meals served, and program activities.
• Complete incident reports immediately following any incidents or accidents.

Crisis Intervention and Safety

• Respond to resident crises and utilize de-escalation techniques when conflicts arise.
• Conduct routine walkthroughs of the facility to ensure safety and security.
• Assist with building security by monitoring entrances and maintaining visitor sign-in logs.

Program Operations

• Assist with medication monitoring procedures to ensure proper documentation and compliance.
• Support meal service and maintain accurate meal count records.
• Provide assistance with conflict resolution and resident behavior management.
• Offer clerical and administrative support to operational staff as needed.
• Ensure effective communication between shifts to maintain continuity of care.

Additional Duties

• Provide shift coverage in cases of staff callouts or emergencies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor or program leadership.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during assigned shifts
• Ability to climb multiple flights of stairs throughout the day
• Must be able to work on-site at the Lower East Side residence