Residential Assistant (1st shift)

Alpharus Health; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) employer match

Paid time off

Holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Alpharus Health in Chicago, IL is hiring a Residential Assistant for the 1st shift to support patients in a structured treatment setting. You will observe and document patient behavior, supervise daily activities, assist with check-ins and transportation to appointments, and maintain safety and adherence to program guidelines.

Strong communication and de-escalation skills are essential. Qualifications include a high school diploma or GED; must be 21+ to operate vehicles; related behavioral

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years old to operate company vehicles with valid license and OM policy.
• Related experience in behavioral health preferred.
• Strong observation, communication, and de-escalation skills.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and monitor behavior to ensure safety and adherence to program guidelines.
• Report incidents and medical issues to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
• Document observations and patient interactions in accordance with policy.
• Supervise daily activities and assist with check-ins and transportation to appointments.
• Maintain a structured and therapeutic environment and support treatment goals.

Skills

Observation

De-escalation

Documentation

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Career Opportunities: Residential Assistant (1st shift) (34518)

Requisition ID34518-Posted10/22/2026-COMM-Chicago-IL

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change.

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Work Schedule: Sunday through Thursday from 8:00am-4:00pm

Residential Assistants are responsible for:

• Observe patients and monitor behavior to ensure safety and adherence to program guidelines
• Report incidents, behavioral concerns, medical issues, or missing patients to appropriate staff in a timely manner
• Document observations and patient interactions in accordance with policy
• Supervise and participate in daily patient activities and routines
• Conduct regular bed checks and patient counts in accordance with policy and procedures
• Assist with check-ins, reinforce rules, and encourage engagement in treatment
• Support a structured and therapeutic environment
• Provide input to treatment team regarding patient behavior, progress, and concerns
• Assist in maintaining consistency in behavioral expectations and interventions
• Coordinate and drive patients to appointments, work, school, or approved activities
• Perform basic administrative tasks (phones, filing, documentation support, scheduling as needed)
• Support patient events and structured activities
• Assist with educational groups or activities under supervision, in accordance with state regulations
• Collect specimens and administer screenings (e.g., urine, breathalyzer) as permitted by policy and training

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
  
• Related experience in the behavioral field preferred.
  
• Must be at least 21 years of age to operate company vehicles and meet all driver eligibility requirements, including a valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record, in accordance with company policy and insurance guidelines.
  
• Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries, consistently enforce program rules and expectations, and interact with patients in a compassionate, respectful, and recovery-oriented manner.
  
• Strong observation, communication, documentation, and de-escalation skills required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods while supervising and interacting with patients
  
• Ability to observe and assess patient behavior, including recognizing changes in physical condition or safety risks
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with patients, staff, and external parties
  
• Ability to respond appropriately in emergency or crisis situations, including implementing de-escalation techniques
  
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and complete documentation using electronic systems
  
• Ability to drive and travel locally to transport patients and attend meetings, as required
  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally

Compensation:

• Range is between $16.20 - $18.00 per hour
• Starting rates are determined based on years of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
• Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligbility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance.

Benefits at Alpharus:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here .