RB Residential Support Staff

Advantage Behavioral Health; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Behavioral Health in Scranton is seeking a Residential Support Staff for a 24/7 mental health treatment environment. You will supervise residents, assist with ADLs, and help maintain the daily schedule to support a therapeutic milieu.

The role requires de-escalation skills, routine safety checks, precise EMR documentation, and thorough hand‑offs to the next shift, contributing to a coordinated care team.

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or GED.
• Preferred an associate or bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
• Prior behavioral health or residential experience is advantageous but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide 24/7 supervision of residents to maintain safety.
• Lead milieu management and coordinate daily schedules and activities.
• Document resident behavior, incidents, and shift logs in EMR in real time.
• Report safety or clinical concerns to nursing staff or MHP on duty.
• Assist with admissions, intake, and transportation to appointments.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

HIPAA knowledge

Documentation literacy

Communication under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate or Bachelor's in human services

Tools

EMR system

Job description

Position Summary: The Residential Support Staff (RSS) provides direct, front‑line support and supervision to residents in a 24/7 mental health treatment environment. The RSS is responsible for maintaining a safe, therapeutic milieu, assisting clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), and ensuring the facility’s daily schedule is followed. As a key member of the direct‑care team, the RSS monitors resident behavior, implements de‑escalation techniques when necessary, and provides essential documentation to the clinical team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Supervision and Safety
  • Provide continuous 24/7 supervision of residents to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
  • Conduct regular, documented safety checks and "rounds" according to facility protocol.
  • Monitor resident interactions and intervene using approved non‑violent crisis intervention (NCI) or de‑escalation techniques to manage behavioral disruptions.
  • Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, room cleanliness, and physical health needs.
• Milieu Management
  • Facilitate the daily facility schedule, ensuring residents attend meals, clinical groups, and appointments on time.
  • Lead non‑clinical psychoeducational activities and community meetings as assigned.
  • Model healthy social boundaries and professional behavior for residents at all times.
  • Coordinate and supervise recreational activities and outings to promote social engagement.
• Documentation and Communication
  • Maintain accurate, real‑time documentation of resident behavior, significant incidents, and shift logs in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
  • Provide detailed "hand‑off" reports to incoming shifts to ensure continuity of care and safety.
  • Report all clinical concerns or safety risks immediately to the Nursing staff or the Mental Health Professional (MHP) on duty.
  • Assist in the collection of vitals or supervised toxicology screenings as required by the medical team.
• Operational Support
  • Assist with the admission and orientation of new residents, including baggage searches and facility tours.
  • Ensure the facility remains clean and orderly; report maintenance or safety hazards to the Operations Manager.
  • Provide safe transportation for residents to off‑site medical or psychiatric appointments as needed.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience
  • Minimum Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
  • Preferred: Associate or bachelor’s degree in a human services field (Psychology, Social Work, etc.).
  • Experience: Prior experience in a behavioral health, residential, or hospital setting is highly preferred but not always required for entry‑level roles.
• Certifications and Clearances
  • Must pass all state‑mandated background checks.
  • Current CPR/First Aid certification (or ability to obtain during onboarding).
  • Certification in a recognized crisis intervention model (e.g., CPI, NCI) is preferred.
  • Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Knowledge and Skills
  • Ability to maintain strict professional boundaries and confidentiality (HIPAA).
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to remain calm and empathetic in high‑stress situations.
  • Basic computer literacy for documentation and communication.
• Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand or walk for extended periods (8–12‑hour shifts).
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to physically intervene in the event of a behavioral crisis according to trained safety protocols.