Resident Support Specialist (Part-Time, 2nd Shift | 3:00pm - 11:00pm)

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

Job summary

United Way of East Central Iowa is hiring a Resident Support Specialist for The Commons on 16th in Cedar Rapids. The role provides evening oversight, ensuring a safe, structured environment after hours. You will monitor access, assist residents with needs, and document incidents to support housing stability.

The position emphasizes balancing accountability with compassion, teamwork with independence, and trauma-informed de-escalation to foster a respectful living space for residents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in human services, housing, shelters, behavioral health, or related fields preferred.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Build positive and professional relationships with residents while maintaining boundaries.
• Support residents with basic needs and provide resource navigation and referrals.
• Encourage participation in housing stabilization activities and routines.
• Respond to resident concerns with trauma-informed and de-escalation approaches.
• Support resident accountability in a respectful environment.
• Monitor building access and visitor activity per policies.
• Document building activity accurately and communicate with staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Trauma-informed approach

Independent worker

Organization & problem-solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Be a daily source of support, stability, and connection for residents. The Resident Support Specialist provides evening support and oversight at The Commons on 16th, ensuring a safe and structured environment during after-hours operations. Responsibilities include monitoring building access, supporting resident needs, enforcing program and curfew expectations, responding to incidents, and maintaining accurate documentation. This position is ideal for someone who can balance accountability and compassion while helping residents work toward housing stability.

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 appropriate boundaries.
• Support residents with immediate basic needs and provide general resource navigation and referrals as appropriate.
• Encourage resident participation in program expectations, routines, and housing stabilization activities.
• Respond to resident concerns and assist with conflict resolution using trauma-informed and de-escalation approaches.
• Support resident accountability while maintaining a respectful and supportive environment.

Building Operations & Safety

• Monitor building access and visitor activity in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• Monitor resident and guest entries and exits and maintain accurate documentation of building activity.
• Implement and enforce established curfew procedures and communicate expectations consistently and professionally.
• Conduct routine walkthroughs of the facility to monitor resident activity and identify safety or operational concerns.
• Respond appropriately to after-hours concerns and elevate emergencies according to established protocols.
• Maintain awareness of building occupancy and support overall resident and staff safety.

Evening Operations & Housing Support

• Assist with resident intake activities occurring during evening hours, including orientation and room preparation as needed.
• Support unit turnover activities to ensure units are prepared for occupancy.
• Assist with maintaining cleanliness and organization of offices, common spaces, and shared areas.
• Support resident transitions and communicate relevant updates to incoming overnight staff.

After-Hours Response

• Support implementation of after-hours operational procedures including securing common spaces, monitoring building access, and ensuring curfew expectations are followed.
• Respond to facility concerns, resident needs, and non-emergency incidents occurring during evening operations and notify on-call leadership as appropriate.
• Coordinate emergency response activities in accordance with agency policies and established safety protocols.
• Document and communicate all significant incidents, maintenance concerns, policy exceptions, and unresolved issues to incoming staff and the Staffing Director to ensure continuity of operations.
• Exercise sound judgment in determining when situations require immediate intervention, emergency services, or escalation to supervisory staff.

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.