Resident Support Specialist (Part-Time, 1st Shift | 7:00am - 3:00pm)

United Way of East Central Iowa; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commons on 16th in Cedar Rapids, IA seeks a Resident Support Specialist to serve as the daytime staff presence, helping residents with basic needs, intake, and daily building operations while promoting housing stability and independent living.

Ideal candidates are compassionate, organized, and skilled at building positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. Experience in human services and trauma-informed care is valued.

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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Homelessness experience

Independent work

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Be a daily source of support, stability, and connection for residents. At The Commons on 16th, the Resident Support Specialist serves as the primary daytime staff presence, helping create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for residents. This role assists residents with basic needs, resource navigation, intake and move-in processes, and daily building operations while promoting housing stability and independent living. Ideal candidates are compassionate, organized, and skilled at building positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.

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.