Resident Assistant

AC001 Acenda, Inc.; Glassboro (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay rate: $18.50 per hour

Job summary

Acenda, Inc. seeks a Residential Counselor to help adults in a residential setting achieve independence and community reintegration. You will work with the clinical team to implement individualized goals and ensure a safe, supportive environment.

The role emphasizes hands-on counseling, documentation, and coordination with nursing and supervisors. A Bachelor's degree in a human services field is preferred, with strong ethics and communication skills to support residents’ needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a human services field preferred; or high school diploma/GED with 2+ years of direct care experience in mental health or residential settings.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in crisis situations.
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate documentation and using EHR systems (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, hands-on counseling to residents to promote emotional well-being and independence.
• Supervise daily living activities and maintain a safe, supportive environment.
• Assist residents in identifying and pursuing rehabilitation goals.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and activities to build coping skills and community readiness.
• Document resident progress in accordance with agency standards.
• Ensure safety during transportation to appointments and activities.
• Maintain certifications (CPR, medication, sensitivity training) and adhere to health and safety guidelines.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Collaboration and Teamwork

Cultural Competence

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a human services field

High school diploma/GED with 2 years direct care experience

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

If you want to make a living by making a difference, join Acenda as an Residential Counselor

Position Summary:

The Residential Counselor ensures the safety and security of adult clients in the residential setting while fostering a supportive and healthful environment. This role assists clients with skills training and daily living responsibilities, working closely with the residential nurse, supervisor, and director to implement individualized rehabilitation treatment goals. The Residential Counselor collaborates with Acenda team members and external supports to promote client independence, while upholding ethical standards in accordance with the Social Work Code of Ethics. As an integrated health organization Acenda values the use of evidence-based practice or EBP's.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct, hands-on counseling and support to residents to promote emotional well-being, independence, and community reintegration.
• Supervise and assist residents with daily living activities and household responsibilities, maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive environment.
• Support residents in identifying, establishing, and working toward individualized treatment and rehabilitation goals.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups and structured activities that enhance coping skills, socialization, and community readiness.
• Ensure resident safety during transportation to and from appointments and community activities.
• Accurately document resident progress, observations, and service needs in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Maintain required certifications (CPR, medication, and sensitivity training) and adhere to all health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Model positive behaviors, reinforce healthy decision‑making, and maintain professional boundaries.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, case reviews, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Uphold resident confidentiality at all times and perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Competencies:

Workplace Code of Conduct and Ethics Interpersonal Communication Collaboration and Teamwork Cultural Competence and Adaptability Screening and Assessment Care Planning and Coordination Systems-Oriented Practice Practice-Based Learning and Quality Improvement Technologically Proficient Additional Competency Based on Program Substance Use Disorder Programs Establishes rapport, gathers clinical data, assesses readiness for treatment; and applies criteria for diagnosis Screens for psychoactive substance toxicity, intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring mental health conditions, and risk of harm to self or others. Interprets screening results to determine treatment priorities Children and Youth Programs Demonstrates knowledge of age-appropriate developmental milestones. Formulates measurable, individualized treatment goals and objectives. Housing Support Services for Homeless Clients Applies evidence-based or accepted case management practices. Demonstrates communication and advocacy skills. Understands and complies with Fair Housing rules and regulations. Security Personnel Only Understands and complies with the agency's channel of communication Understands the distinction between administrative and clinical seclusion or restraint. Knows how to respond appropriately to critical incidents and unusual events.

Education, Work Experience and/or Skills Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a human services field (preferred); or high school diploma/GED with a minimum of two years of direct care experience in a mental health or residential/institutional setting, working with adults with chronic mental illness. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (required). Ability to exercise sound judgment, independent thinking, and appropriate decision‑making under all circumstances, including crisis situations. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to analyze work, set goals, develop plans, and manage time effectively. Proficiency in maintaining accurate documentation and utilizing electronic health record (EHR) systems (preferred) Ability to demonstrate professional boundaries, ethical practice, and cultural competence in all interactions.

Additional Information:

Pay rate: $18.50 per hour

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Repeated motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers The employee must occasionally move about to accomplish tasks, adjust or move objects up to 20 pounds. Must be able to communicate with others to exchange information Ability to drive a vehicle

Disclaimer:

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. The workforce member is expected to adhere to all policies of Acenda.

Department/Program A Place to Call Home (APTCH)

A career at Acenda is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to create a lasting impact within your community.

#TeamAcenda's culture is based on compassion and care for each other, as well as the individuals and communities we care for. We're a passionate workforce striving to move lives forward and have fun along the way.