Residential Assistant (3rd shift)

Gateway Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Alpharus Health is seeking a Residential Assistant to monitor patients, document observations, and support daily activities in a structured, recovery-focused setting. You will ensure safety, report concerns promptly, and assist with transportation to appointments and activities.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license. Prior behavioral health experience is preferred, with a focus on compassionate, professional patient interactions.

Qualifications

• Strong observation, communication, documentation, and de-escalation skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and interact with patients compassionately.
• Ability to follow program rules, be respectful, and maintain recovery-oriented interactions.
• Age and license requirements: at least 21 to operate company vehicles; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Observe patients and monitor behavior to ensure safety and adherence to program guidelines.
• Report incidents, medical issues, or missing patients to 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 per policy and procedures.
• Coordinate and drive patients to appointments, work, school, or approved activities.

Skills

Observation

Communication

Documentation

De-escalation

Boundaries

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Who is Alpharus Health?

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.

Why join us?

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.

Who is Alpharus Health?

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.

Why join us?

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.

Location:

3828 W. Taylor Chicago, IL 60624

• View the facility details here!

Work Schedule:

Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 PM - 7:00 PM

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 $16.60 - $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.