Resident Support Specialist

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith based organization, has a job opening for a Resident Support Specialist at the Friendship House, located in Fort Worth, TX.

Job Summary:

Assists the Corps Officer in the planning and coordinating of the day-to-day activities and programs for the residents of the Catherine Booth & Evangeline Booth Friendship Houses; provides transportation for tenants as needed; assists in securing and distributing donations for the tenants; serves as a liaison to other agencies in order to obtain and coordinate assistance and resources, when necessary, for tenants with additional needs.

Essential Functions:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description.

Driving Responsibilities (20%)

Drives a Salvation Army vehicle in order to transport passengers to and from various locations; organizes transportation by most direct routes to save time and fuel consumption.

Picks up and delivers miscellaneous items as needed.

Drives carefully and observes/complies with all traffic signs and road/weather conditions to ensure the safety of passengers.

Parks vehicle in a safe and clearly marked parking space.

Locks vehicle doors when vehicle is not in use.

Arrives at destination according to schedule or telephones ahead when severe delays occur.

Property Administrative Responsibilities (15%)

Provides accurate and complete information regarding leasing and availability of apartments, HUD eligibility requirements and program eligibility requirements.

Distributes applications and HUD program information to potential applicants via mail, phone or walk-ins; accepts completed rental applications.

Assists residents with work orders and complaints.

Social Services Assistance Responsibilities (20%)

Performs resident intake assessments to determine the need for referrals to outside health/social services providers in the community; performs on-going assessment monitoring of residents health/supportive service needs; inspects living areas of residents as required and creates and maintains confidential files.

Makes referrals to residents to assist them with maintaining their independence, which may include housekeeping services and the like.

Provides assistance in the distribution of food, clothing and donations for residents.

Assists in the preparation of statistical records on all services provided.

Liaison Responsibilities (25%)

Establishes and maintains working networks and relationships with community groups and agencies whose services focus on the elderly; works with resident’s family members on issues relating to a residents health, safety and welfare; works with other agencies to determine the need to transition residents to assisted/skilled living environment; coordinates with residents home health providers to ensure residents are receiving quality care and service.

Serves as a liaison to other agencies in order to obtain and coordinate assistance on the client’s behalf.

Activities Responsibilities (20%)

Assists in the planning and scheduling of all daily activities for tenants and helps in coordinating and planning social events, including holiday activities.

Assists with coordinating volunteers participating and leading tenant’s activities; ensures compliance with program policies and procedures.

Assists with planning daily and weekly on-site activities such as games, crafts, exercise, etc., as well as regular outside activities such as shopping trips, field trips, dining out, etc.

Assists with coordinating with outside health and civic organizations for presentations on health, planning services, social security benefits and other information important to senior life.

Assists in coordinating worship services for residents and provides spiritual counseling on an as needed basis when requested by residents.

Assists with coordinating tenants’ birthday luncheon on a monthly basis; plans and purchases refreshments; assists in preparing party decorations; prepares tenants’ birthday presents.

Prepares and provides a monthly calendar of events; posts calendar on bulletin board; maintains main activities calendar outside of the office.

Other Responsibilities:

Performs administrative duties as requested.

Prepares a monthly newsletter for tenants and makes sure it is available to all tenants.

Maintains the neatness and attractiveness of the facilities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Materials and Equipment:

Personal Computer General Office Equipment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of HUD Manual 4381.5, Management Agents Handbook, Chapters 4 – 8.

Knowledge of basic social services and how to collaborate with other agency’s to meet needs of residents.

Ability to lead, motivate and mentor residents through spiritual enrichment.

Ability to interview clients in order to evaluate and assess their basic needs.

Ability to prepare accurate and complete client records, reports and statistics.

Ability to respond to and assist residents and guests in a courteous and professional manner.

Ability to work with people and to provide assistance in a calm, courteous and professional manner.

Ability to plan, coordinate and implement activities appropriate for senior citizens.

Ability to project a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or G.E.D. required, with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Services preferred,

And

Two to three years experience performing social services assistance for older adults,

Or

any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certifications:

Valid State Drivers License

Physical Requirements:

Ability to meet attendance requirements.

Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively.

Ability to perform routine mathematical computations.

Ability to safely operate and drive a Salvation Army vehicle.

Ability and willingness to conduct all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism.

Duties are usually performed seated. Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.

Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.).

Working Conditions:

Work is sometimes performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like, with the exception of driving conditions.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

When an application is selected for review, typically, only applicants who indicate the relevant education and experience requirements, as indicated in the job description for the position, may be considered for job openings. Please FULLY complete the application, answer questions completely, honestly and to the best of your ability. Please also upload a copy of your resume (when available). Those applicants requiring accommodation to the application and/or interview process should contact a representative of the Human Resources Department at the applicable location.

We appreciate your interest in employment opportunities with The Salvation Army!