Residential Support Specialist

The Residential Support Specialist (RSS) position functions within the SEARHC Behavioral Health division to provide direct support services for clients of SEARHC substance use disorder and behavioral health programs. Duties and responsibilities include maintaining and monitoring the safety and security of the facility and the program residents and direct supportive engagement with residents to provide services, support and structure that fosters a pro-recovery environment. This may include supervision of daily living activities and facilitation of pro-recovery activities and groups. This position requires an understanding of basic interventions that are effective in the treatment of substance use and/or mental health disorders. This position also requires conflict resolution skills, and effective communication skills for leading life skills, educational groups, and activities with the residents. Residential Support Specialists must be able to engage in moderate physical recreation activities that supports recovery.
SEARHC Wellness Support Program is a structured housing based living environment with 24-hour wrapping around support. Work schedules vary and may include rotation in the evenings and weekends. As an entry-level direct service position, this position requires commitment to ongoing professional development in the areas of behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Each RSS will have a professional development track, based on individualized professional development needs. In addition, the RSS will be engaged in a SEARHC-funded, State of Alaska approved, Qualified Addiction Professional (QAP) certificate training program.

Note: Services are 24/7. Hours may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key essential functions and accountabilities of the role include daily program components such as monitoring and supporting the residents in daily living tasks and treatment objectives.

• Teach, support, and assist residents in understanding and meeting program rules and expectations.
• Establish therapeutic rapport with residents and utilize basic counseling skills for individual and group management.
• Team-based coordination and facilitation of treatment and community recovery support services.
• Lead a wide range of programmatic pro-recovery activities such as therapeutic initiatives, skill building, and recreation. 
• Engage in moderate physical recreational activities that support recovery.
• Support residents in engagement within the community setting and participation in recreational events.
• Support residents with self-administering medications.
• Establish and engage in professional collaboration within SEARHC and relevant community entities, to comprehensively manage and maintain safe and secure operations of the residence.
• Maintain ongoing professional development and participate in educational opportunities as assigned by the leadership team.
• Maintain appropriate records in a confidential manner. This includes timely, complete, and accurate documentation for all client interactions.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with all regulatory requirements. Understand and commit to abide by CFR 42 Part 2 and HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and protected health information laws and practices.
• Participates in professional manners in departmental meetings, multi-disciplinary team meetings, in-service training, and other collaborative activities as directed.
• Participate in career development activities, attends formal and informal substance abuse and addiction training, and studies treatment theories and practices.
• Provides consultation to assist other staff members throughout the consortium in substance abuse and dependency-related care needs.
• Other duties as assigned to meet program, clinic, departmental and organizational goals.
• Works a variety of shifts including mornings, afternoons, evenings, holidays, and weekends.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support certification required within 3 months of hire
• Food handlers card required within 3 months of hire
• Valid State of Alaska Driver’s License or must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Other Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Knowledge of

• Teamwork

Skill Development in

• Verbal and written communication include accurate documentation per regulatory and agency requirements.
• Skills/competence in basic outdoor recreational activities.
• Ability to participate in a professional development plan, both to meet requirements of the QAP certification and to facilitate implementation of program support services.
• Foster a positive environment for individuals in early recovery.
• Learn, understand, and implement professional boundaries.
• Perform screenings, orientation, and other community and recover support services.
• Understand and follow the agency’s policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Engage in ongoing professional development in group management and pro-recovery skill building.
• Learning and being able to engage in problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Position Information:

Work Shift:OT 8/40

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!