Residential Assistant (3rd shift)

Gateway Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Employee wellness program

403(b) retirement plan

Disability & life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Paid time off (PTO) 18 days/year

Company holidays 9 days

Tuition reimbursement

Clinical supervision

Job summary

Gateway Foundation is seeking a Residential Assistant for the Chicago location to support patients and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment during a night shift. Responsibilities include observing patients, reporting concerns, documenting interactions, assisting with check-ins, coordinating transportation, and supporting group activities under state guidelines.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license, and demonstrate strong

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Observation

De-escalation

Communication

Documentation

Professional boundaries

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

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 have the chance to provide essential services to underserved populations, all while 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.

• View facility details here!

Location:

1706 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Work Schedule:

Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00AM-8:00AM

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 an 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 (based on experience and credentials):

• Range begins at $16.20 - $18.00 per hour
• Gateway Foundation conducts annual reviews including merit increases.

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

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 Gateway
• 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

Gateway Foundation 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.