Resident Specialist

Youth Emergency Services, Inc.; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth Emergency Services, Inc. is seeking a Resident Specialist to maintain the operation of YES Emergency Shelter and YES Maternity Group Home in Omaha. You will supervise youth activities, support case plans, and ensure safety and compliance with program policies.

The role requires evening/night/weekday/weekend availability, strong communication skills, and experience in a residential youth setting. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to youth welfare and family support.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Associate degree in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or counseling preferred; or two years of related experience.
• Knowledge of basic youth-care principles in a residential environment.
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques in a residential environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance; ability to transport youth as needed.

Responsibilities

• Implement YES residential program policies to guide and redirect youth residents.
• Supervise all youth activities: meals, group, dining, chores, sleeping, and recreation.
• Document daily youth activities; report significant issues to Housing Lead/Manager/Director.
• Support youths’ case plans and help meet their goals.
• Attend all required YES staff meetings and trainings.
• Screen crisis and information calls; prepare written reports as needed.
• Conduct follow-up activities with youth and families.
• General supervision of student interns as directed by supervisory staff.
• Attendance at work location is required; supervise youth on duty.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisory staff.

Skills

Youth care principles

Therapeutic techniques

Communication skills

Relationship building

Driver's license

Flexible schedule

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in related field

Job description

Reporting directly to the Housing Lead, the Resident Specialist is responsible for maintaining the efficient operation of residential facilities and supervising youth activities at the YES Emergency Shelter and/or the YES Maternity Group Home.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Implementing YES residential program policies and procedures, designed to provide management, guidance, and redirection for the youth residents in the residential facilities.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and positive working relationships.
• Supervising all youth activities; meal preparation, group, dining activities, chore routines, sleeping, and recreational activities.
• Completing thorough documentation on daily youth activities, reporting any significant problems or activities that require the attention of the Housing Lead, Housing Manager, or Director of Operations.
• Supporting the youth’s case plan as set by the case manager, assisting the youth in navigating and meeting their goals.
• Participating in all scheduled YES staff meetings and required training sessions.
• Documenting and screening all crisis and informational phone calls, including preparation of a supplemental written report if indicated by the situation.
• Conducting, or assisting with, follow-up activities on all youth and families.
• General supervision of student interns as directed by supervisory staff.
• Attendance at work location is required.
• Remaining awake, alert and properly supervising all youth while on duty.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisory staff.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Twenty-one years of age.
• Knowledge and application of basic youth-care principles in a residential environment.
• Knowledge and application of therapeutic techniques in a residential environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain working relationships with youth and their families, other staff, professionals, and law enforcement agencies.
• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license, current auto insurance, and ability to transport program youth as needed.
• Willingness to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed or requested.
• Completion of thorough criminal history and background investigation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or counseling is preferred; or two years of related experience in youth shelter programming.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to complete minor to moderate lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking and/or sitting at a desk and working on a computer.