Lead Resident Assistant GH

Volunteers of America Upstate NY; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America Upstate NY in Rochester seeks a Lead Family Shelter Resident Assistant to help manage daily operations and supervise Resident Assistants in a busy family shelter. You will provide compassionate support to families in crisis and help maintain a safe, orderly shelter environment.

The role requires strong communication, prior supervisory experience, and the ability to work in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of High School Diploma/GED required.
• Experience in shelter services, residential care, or human services preferred.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including working with those in crisis and vulnerable populations.
• Ability to obtain adult and pediatric first aid/CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide empathetic, compassionate and non-judgmental assistance to families in crisis.
• Supervise and guide Resident Assistants during assigned shifts to ensure duties are completed appropriately.
• Oversee daily shelter program and activities, including meal distribution, recreation, laundry, family programming, chores and room turnover.
• Assist with meal preparation, serving and clean up during designated meal times.
• Handle crisis situations calmly and efficiently, following established procedures.
• Communicate effectively with shelter management and Case Managers regarding client needs and incidents.
• Maintain accurate records, including shift logs and incident reports.
• Monitor and track client needs and concerns with appropriate follow-up.
• Oversee shelter inventory and restocking needs; participate in intake/discharge as necessary.
• Attend mandatory meetings and trainings; perform other duties as requested.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision experience

Crisis communication

Empathy and interpersonal skills

First aid/CPR certification

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Position Title: Lead Family Shelter Resident AssistantReports to: Family Shelter Program DirectorExempt/Non-Exempt Status: Non-ExemptJOB SUMMARY:The Lead Family Shelter Resident Assistant is responsible for providing support to shelter residents while assisting with the oversight of daily shelter operations and supervision of Resident Assistants (RAs). The Lead Resident Assistant helps maintain a safe and structured environment, ensures staff follow policies and procedures, and serves as a liaison between Resident Assistants and Case Managers to support effective service delivery and client success.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Provide empathetic, compassionate and non-judgmental assistance to families in crisis. Offer emotional support, actively listen and build rapport with families.Supervise and provide guidance to Resident Assistants during assigned shifts to ensure duties are completed appropriatelyAssist, oversee and implement daily shelter program and daily activities, including meal distribution, recreational programs, laundry room facilitation, family programming, chores, room turnover and other shelter activitiesAssist with meal preparation, serving and clean up during designated meal timesHandle crisis situations calmly and efficiently, following established proceduresWork collaboratively with team members to address immediate concerns and ensure the safety of clientsEnforce shelter rules and policies consistently and fairlyOversee and assist with completing incident reports, behavioral write-ups and documentation related to rule violationsMaintain accurate and up to date records as required, including daily shift logs, incident reports and rule violationsCommunicate effectively with the shelter management team and Case Managers regarding client needs, concerns and incidentsServe as a liaison between Resident Assistants and Case Managers to ensure continuity of care and communicationMonitor and track client needs and concerns, ensuring appropriate follow-up and communication with relevant staffManage and monitor shelter inventory, including supplies, linens and hygiene items, and communicate restocking needsCheck email during every shiftAttend and participate in all mandatory meetings and trainingsAssist with intakes and discharges as necessaryMonitor facility, including answering phones, conducting rounds and viewing camerasComplete daily room inspections per shelter policies to ensure safety, cleanliness and shelter rules are being adhered to by clientsTurn over rooms when clients leave, including laundry and cleaning as necessaryAssist coworkers with responsibilities as needs ariseOther duties as requested to benefit client and programsEDUCATION & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:Minimum of High School Diploma/GED requiredExperience in shelter services, residential care, or human services preferredPrevious leadership or supervisory experience preferredStrong communication and interpersonal skills, including working with those in crisis and vulnerable populations requiredBasic computer skills requiredAbility to obtain adult and pediatric first aid/CPR certificationAbility to work in a changing and challenging environmentPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Performing the duties of this job require occasional walking and standing in and around the office. Must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance and the ability to sit, talk and hear is required. The ability to climb stairs is essential.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions are exposed to communicable diseases and are required to function around behavioral concerns.The majority of essential duties are performed indoors, in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be asked to travel between sites or transport participates and may be exposed to outdoor elements.RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHERS:The employee provides direct oversight and guidance to Resident Assistants during assigned shifts.LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER:The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.EEO POLICY STATEMENT:VOAUPNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at VOAUPNY will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.