Resident Support Specialist

United Way of East Central Iowa; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commons on 16th in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking Resident Support Specialists to provide a safe, welcoming environment for residents transitioning out of homelessness. You will help with basic needs, resource navigation, admissions support, documentation, and building operations, acting as a key presence on every shift.

The role emphasizes compassion, dependability, and teamwork in a fast-paced setting, with a focus on positive relationships and community supports for residents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 1 year of experience in human services, housing, shelters, behavioral health, social services, or related field preferred.
• Reliable transportation.
• Basic computer and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Build positive relationships with residents while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Assist residents in meeting immediate basic needs (hygiene items, food access, supplies, community supports).
• Provide basic resource navigation and referrals to internal and external services.
• Support resident engagement and participation in services and housing stabilization activities.
• De-escalate low-level conflicts and communicate concerns to leadership.

Skills

Strong communication

De-escalation

Homelessness experience

Independent yet collaborative

Organization & problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Be a daily source of support, stability, and connection for residents. The Commons on 16th is seeking Resident Support Specialists for all shifts to help create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. This role serves as a key presence within the program, assisting residents with basic needs, resource navigation, admissions support, documentation, and building operations. The ideal candidate is compassionate, dependable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment while building positive relationships with residents.

Essential Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in dynamic environments.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health concerns, or substance use.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Essential Job Functions

Resident Support & Engagement

• Build positive and professional relationships with residents while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• Assist residents in identifying and meeting immediate basic needs including hygiene items, food access, supplies, and community supports.
• Provide basic resource navigation and referrals to internal and external services.
• Support resident engagement and encourage participation in services and housing stabilization activities.
• De-escalate low-level conflicts and communicate concerns to leadership as appropriate.

Building Operations & Safety

• Monitor daily activity within the building and maintain awareness of resident and visitor movement.
• Monitor and document entries into the facility in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Support overall facility safety by identifying and reporting maintenance, safety, or operational concerns.
• Assist with maintaining clean and organized office spaces, shared areas, and resident common spaces.

Intake & Housing Operations

• Assist with new resident intake activities including orientation, documentation collection, room preparation, and program expectations.
• Assist with unit turnover activities including preparation, cleaning coordination, inventory checks, and readiness for occupancy.
• Support resident transitions into and out of the program.

Documentation & Administrative Support

• Complete shift notes and maintain accurate documentation of resident interactions and significant events.
• Complete required data entry and maintain records within designated systems.
• Communicate relevant information to incoming staff and supervisors to support continuity of care.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and quality improvement activities.

Other Duties

• Support special projects and operational needs of the Commons on 16th.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred: One (1) year of experience working in human services, housing, shelters, behavioral health, social services, or related field.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Basic computer and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.