Residential Specialist

EMPath; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Retirement planning

Healthcare benefits

Four-day work week

Job summary

EMPath is hiring a Residential Specialist in Boston, MA. The role focuses on shelter operations, facility support, and creating a welcoming environment for residents. You will work evening shifts (3pm-12am) Sunday through Wednesday, supporting service delivery without managing individual caseloads.

Ideal candidates bring empathy, strong communication, and the ability to engage residents and access housing resources. Bilingual Creole/Spanish is a plus, with an associate degree preferred.

Qualifications

• Compassionate and motivated to help diverse populations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations.
• Able to engage participants and support resource access.

Responsibilities

• Maintain daily shelter operations and attendance logs.
• Prepare rooms for residents and assist with meals as needed.
• Respond to general resident needs and support daily activities.
• Partner with mentors to help residents complete housing applications.
• Lead or support mini-workshops and community meetings.

Skills

Empathy

Strong communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s Degree in human services or related field

Job description

Residential Specialist

Hastings House Service Workers Brighton, MA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1641

Salary Range: $22.34 To $23.84 Annually

Position Title: Residential Specialist

Available Shifts & Schedules: Evening Shift (3pm- 12am)

• Schedule: Sunday through Wednesday

Who is EMPath?

Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) is a 200-year Boston-based nonprofit that transforms lives by partnering with families to move out of poverty and provides other organizations with the tools to do the same.

As a leading nonprofit innovator that combines direct services, a global learning network, robust research, and advocacy, we offer a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Residential Specialist, you’ll make a meaningful impact each day by helping ensure the smooth and supportive operation of our shelter. As a Residential Specialist, you’ll be a vital part of a dedicated team working to create a safe, welcoming, and organized environment for all residents. This role focuses on facility operations and support rather than managing individual participant caseloads. Your contributions will help foster a community-centered atmosphere where residents can thrive.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Shelter Operations & Support:Maintain daily shelter functions including logging attendance, preparing rooms for residents, and supporting general facility procedures.
• Facility Management:Assist with heating and setting out pre-prepared meals (no full cooking required), and help maintain a clean, hygienic, and comfortable living space.
• Environmental Support:Help create a positive and functional shelter environment by responding to general resident needs and ensuring the smooth flow of daily activities.
• Participant Engagement:Partner with Program Mentors to support participants with tasks such as completing housing applications and accessing resources.
• Community Facilitation:Contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment by participating in community meetings and occasionally leading or assisting with mini-workshops for residents.

What You Bring to the Role:

We’re looking for compassionate, motivated individuals with a drive to make a difference. To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• A strong passion for working with diverse populations, including those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health challenges.
• Excellent emotional intelligence and the ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Sharp problem-solving skills, keen observation, and sound judgment in decision-making.

Ways to Stand Out:

• Bilingual Skills: Fluency in Haitian Creole or Spanish preferred
• Educational Background: An Associate’s Degree in human services, child welfare, hospitality, or a related field is a plus.

Why EMPath?

The meaningful work! The organization and your colleagues are committed to disrupting poverty and supporting families as they work towards their biggest goals.

Collaborative team environment! You’ll join a team that values teamwork, and shares knowledge and ideas - all working towards shared goals for helping families move out of poverty.

Learning - We are a learning culture - We offer person-centered professional development, Mobility Mentoring training for all mentors and tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance for essential workers: EMPath offers a four-day work week for all direct services roles, 4 days of 9-hour schedule for most direct service roles where staffing levels allow. The evening shift is 3pm to 12am. The schedule we're looking to fill is Sunday through Wednesday.

Benefits: Tuition assistance, retirement planning and competitive healthcare benefits.

Pay transparency: Starting hourly rate ranges from $22.34 to $23.84, based on education and language skills

EMPath is committed to recruiting, hiring, and sustaining a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexuality, age, disability, or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are an EEO/AA/ADA/ADEA employer based in Boston, Massachusetts.

All offers of employment at EMPath are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.