Day/Swing Residential Support Specialist

LE_001 New Narrative; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

New Narrative is a nonprofit organization providing compassionate, person-centered residential care for adults with mental health needs. The Residential Support Specialist role supports residents in recovery goals, assists with medication administration, and promotes a safe, clean, and healthy living environment in Portland, Oregon.

The position follows the Oregon Administrative Rules, requires reliability in shift duties, and entails interaction with residents, staff, and treatment teams.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Must be able to implement emergency procedures and disaster plan.
• QMHA credentials preferred.
• Must be able to pass criminal records clearance.

Responsibilities

• Distributes medication in accordance with physicians’ orders and New Narrative policy.
• Assists residents with daily living skills and recovery goals.
• Maintains cleanliness and safety of the facility and common areas.
• Helps supervise residents during community outings and activities.
• Documents interactions and incidents per policy and Oregon Administrative Rules.

Job description

At New Narrative, we believe mental health care is community care. As a nonprofit organization, we partner with individuals to promote healing, housing stability, and long-term wellness through compassionate, equitable support. If you’re passionate about community impact, we invite you to join our team.

Full Time Position Expected Schedule: Saturday - Sunday, Day Shift: 7:00am - 3:00pm Monday - Wednesday, Swing Shift: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

Purpose

Provides adults disabled by serious mental illness with supportive services as described in the Oregon Administrative Rules. This includes ensuring a clean and organized environment, supporting residents in their individual recovery goals, and assisting with medication administration as ordered by a licensed medical professional. Residential Support Specialists may also lead activities, assist in the implementation of treatment plan interventions and provide skills training and activities as assigned.

Accountabilities

• Understand Oregon rules regarding Home and Community Based mental health services, which guarantee residents a maximum level of freedom and personal rights and assists them to follow a person-centered recovery plan.
• Assists clients with daily living skills such as keeping appointments and completing household tasks.
• Assists clients with individual goals dependent on their individual person-centered plans as well as their Residential Service Plans.
• Oversees house safety (fire drills, security of house at night, resolving disputes among residents, etc.)
• Responsible for seeing that the facility is clean, orderly, and safe at all times.
• Ensures provision of healthy meals and kitchen clean up.
• Proactively supports healthy eating and an active lifestyle for program participants.
• Prompts residents to participate in organized physical activity at least once per shift (day & swing) and encourages mindfulness around healthy eating habits.
• Maintains the cleanliness of food storage areas, common areas and employee office.
• Completes all shift duties required by each individual facility.
• Assists residents with completion of deep cleaning, and laundry.
• Completes contraband checks as allowed by resident and OARs.
• Distributes medication in accordance with physicians’ orders.
• Distributes medication according to New Narrative policy, including comparing medication packaging to the eMAR, opening the medication, placing it into a disposable cup, handing the medication to the resident, and then signing the eMAR.
• All NARC administration will be documented immediately after administering a medication and will reflect an accurate count of the medication at all times.
• At the end of each shift, reviews each individual resident’s eMAR to ensure all documentation is complete.
• Encourages residents to learn medication names, dosages, functions, and potential side effects (depending on individual Residential Treatment Plan).
• Follows guidelines in the medication policy.
• Remains constantly alert to changes in medication and updates medication charts as needed.
• Ensures that client rights are protected.
• Assists in crisis intervention.
• Answers crisis calls and contacts appropriate treatment team members.
• Escorts and supervises residents during community outings.
• Documents all interactions with residents during each shift according to policy and Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Documents all critical incidents in a timely manner and notifying supervisor immediately of any critical incident.
• Knows supervisor’s contact information.
• Completes shift summary and individual resident notes each shift.
• Adheres to all New Narrative policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Overnight employees must be awake, alert and dressed at all times.
• Completes other tasks as assigned by House Manager, Facility Administrator, or Residential Program Manager.

Other General Expectations

• Must have a criminal records clearance through the State Mental Health Division prior to starting employment.
• Must be tested for tuberculosis within two weeks of date of hire.
• Must undergo a minimum of 16 hours pre-service orientation, which will include a review of house rules, policies, and procedures; education on psychiatric disabilities; an overview of resident service arrangements; a summary of each resident’s risk factors; medication management procedures; food service arrangements; a summary of resident’s assessment and residential service plan; Credible; and any other relevant information.
• Will not work over 40 hours per week unless authorized by a supervisor.
• Will report to work promptly and will adhere to all scheduling and attendance policies.
• Regular in-service training on issues relevant to residential care to total not less than 8 hours a year.
• Training will be arranged by the Facility Administrator.
• Attend and positively participate in required meetings, including mandatory monthly staff meetings.
• Pursues ongoing development of skills and competencies.
• Follows all agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Complies with all New Narrative safety rules and regulations.
• Follows through on all directives and instructions.
• Maintains security of keys, files, and facility systems.
• Will be required to work at other sites during times of temporary need.

Positions Reporting

None

Education/Certificates/Licenses/Registration

QMHA credentials preferred.

Experience/Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age and capable of implementing the emergency procedures and disaster plan.

Impact

New Narrative residential operations are an essential part of New Narrative’s overall continuum of service and supports. As a member of a residential team, Residential Support Specialists will help to insure best practices, positive clinical outcomes, and quality of services.

All of our job openings are located in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding metro areas.

At New Narrative, we're dedicated to empowering people on their mental health journeys. We provide compassionate, person-centered services that foster stability, connection, and independence — helping individuals build meaningful lives in their communities. Through supportive housing, community-based programs, and collaborative care, we walk alongside the people we serve as they build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create new possibilities for their futures.

Looking for work that has purpose? Join a compassionate team dedicated to empowering people in their mental health journeys while building a meaningful, rewarding career.