Resident Support Specialist

United Way; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commons on 16th in Cedar Rapids is seeking Resident Support Specialists to create a safe, welcoming environment for residents transitioning out of homelessness. You will build positive relationships, assist with basic needs, and navigate community resources, admissions support, and documentation.

This role requires compassion, dependability, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting while maintaining professional boundaries and clear communication with residents and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, trauma, mental health concerns, or substance use preferred.
• Strong communication, professionalism, and ability to maintain boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, 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.
• Monitor daily activity within the building and maintain awareness of resident and visitor movement.
• Assist with intake activities including orientation, documentation collection, and room preparation.
• Complete shift notes and maintain accurate documentation of resident interactions.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Calm under pressure

Homelessness/trauma experience

Independent yet team-oriented

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.