Residential Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Retirement planning

Competitive healthcare benefits

Job summary

EMPath in Boston, MA is seeking a Residential Specialist to support shelter operations and create a safe, welcoming environment for residents. The role focuses on facility operations and daily activities rather than caseload management, contributing to a community-centered atmosphere where residents can thrive.

The ideal candidate brings compassion, strong emotional intelligence, and excellent communication skills, with preference for bilingual abilities in Haitian Creole or Spanish and an

Qualifications

• Compassionate, motivated individuals with a drive to make a difference.
• Excellent emotional intelligence and the ability to remain composed in high‑pressure situations.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Empathy

Emotional intelligence

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate’s degree

Job description

Position Title: Residential Specialist

• Schedule: Sunday through Wednesday

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.