Residential Program Worker (Part-Time) (Local Government)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a motivated Residential Program Worker to support individuals with behavioral health needs in a 24/7 residential facility across Columbia, Montour, Snyder and Union counties. This part-time role focuses on helping clients develop independence and life skills within the community.

You will guide clients through training, assist with individual service plans, support recreational and social activities, teach use of community resources, and foster social

Qualifications

• Six months of experience as a Residential Program Trainee.
• One year of experience in a Human Services Agency working with the mentally disabled, the elderly, or children and youth.
• Two years of college which includes courses appropriate to the Human Services field.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Guide clients through a training program that builds knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes needed for independent living.
• Help develop and carry out individual service plans that teach self-care skills such as cooking, nutrition, hygiene, medication management, money management, and housekeeping.
• Assist with or take part in recreational and social activities under close supervision.
• Instruct clients in the use of community resources and facilities.
• Support clients as they learn and practice social skills.

Skills

Residential care experience

Empathy and compassion

Communication skills

Education

Two years of college in Human Services

Job description

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF (CS-2026-57518-L0786). IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS POSTING WHICH WAS OPEN FROM AUGUST 31, 2026 TO SEPTEMBER 13, 2026, YOU CANNOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION.

Columbia, Montour, Snyder and Union County MH/ID Unit is looking for a motivated and dependable person to help individuals with behavioral health issues achieve what is necessary to live independently and be part of the community. The Residential Program Worker position offers an opportunity to make a lasting difference. This role allows you to support individuals who are building important life skills. Each day brings new chances to encourage growth and independence. Join an agency that values compassion, dedication, and positive change.

This role supports individuals in residential and respite programs as they work toward greater independence in the community. You will guide clients in learning practical, social, and community-based skills. As a Residential Program Worker, you will perform the following duties:

• Training Support: Guide clients through a training program that builds knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes needed for independent living
• Service Planning: Help develop and carry out individual service plans that teach self care skills such as cooking, nutrition, hygiene, medication management, money management, and housekeeping
• Activity Assistance: Assist with or take part in recreational and social activities under close supervision
• Resource Instruction: Instruct clients in the use of community resources and facilities
• Social Development: Support clients as they learn and practice social skills

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Part-time employment at a 24-hour -7 Day/week Residential Facility for individuals with Behavioral Health and co-occurring disorders.
• Telework:You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six months of experience as a Residential Program Trainee; or
• One year of experience in a Human Services Agency working with the mentally disabled, the elderly, or children and youth; or
• Two years of college which includes courses appropriate to the Human Services field; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).

• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.