Residential Support Associate (Part-time)

The Arc Southern Chesapeake; Lexington Park (MD); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

The Arc Southern Chesapeake is seeking part-time Residential Support Associates to help individuals access the community, make friends, have fun, and be as self-sufficient as possible. RSA roles involve in-home, recreational, or community support, with goals of building self-esteem, confidence, and decision-making.

Responsibilities include assisting with daily living tasks, transportation, medication administration when certified, and facilitating community involvement while adhering to agency

Qualifications

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with daily living and personal management needs.

Skills

Excel

Word

Access

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

SHIFT

Every other weekend, 6am-2pm or 2pm-10pm

The Arc Southern Chesapeake is currently hiring part‑time Residential Support Associates to assist individuals that need support to access the community, make friends, have fun and be as self‑sufficient as possible. An RSA may provide support to people at home, in recreational settings or the community. The support may include personal hygiene, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, banking, medical appointments, medication administration (if necessary), transportation or social and recreational assistance. The goal is to help individuals lead a self‑directed life by providing support, guidance, and information necessary to build self‑esteem, confidence, and assertiveness and to make decisions.

Qualifications

• 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• A valid driving license (driver permit or provisional license are not permitted)
• Can pass a criminal background check mandated by the State of Maryland
• A reliable vehicle to be used in transporting individuals served
• A good driving record with no more than 2 points
• Enjoy assisting people and giving hands‑on support

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Living Skills & Supports

• Assists individuals to meet physical and personal management needs by teaching skills, providing support, and building on strengths and capabilities
• Assists with household management (meal prep, laundry, cleaning, decorating) and transportation needs to maximize independence or performs the tasks if individuals cannot
• Assists with and/or dispenses medication (as certified), or other prescribed medical treatments as necessary
• Supports individuals in the development of friendships and other relationships

Community and Service Networking

• Provides opportunities for involvement in community and leisure activities
• Assists in identifying needs for individuals for community supports, working with the informal support system and/or initiating community connections

Participant Empowerment

• Assists individuals to plan, make informed choices, follow through on responsibilities and speak on their behalf

Communication

• Uses effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and recognise and adapt to varying communication styles
• Learns and uses terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure understanding

Facilitation of Services

• Maintains collaborative professional relationships with individuals and all support team members, follows ethical standards of practice, and recognises personal limitations
• Assists and/or facilitates the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from preferences, needs and interests

Advocacy

• Facilitates, assists, and/or represents individuals when there are barriers to service needs
• Interacts with and educates community members and organisations relevant to individual needs or services

Crisis Intervention

• Identifies crisis situations, evaluates or defuses the situation, and contacts necessary supports
• Continues to monitor crisis situations, discusses the incident with authorised staff and individuals, adjusts supports and environment, and complies with reporting regulations
• Implements behavior plan(s) as necessary and as indicated

Documentation

• Maintains accurate records and submits records to appropriate sources in a timely fashion
• Maintains standards of confidentiality and ethical practice

Organization Participation

• Complies with all agency guidelines, procedures and practices
• Incorporates sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues into daily practices and interactions

Education, Training & Self‑Development

• Attends, completes and passes all required training, initially and ongoing

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested
• Demonstrates appropriate role model behavior at all times

Education and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to read and write clearly and concisely
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in computer‑based software, e.g., Excel, Word and Access
• Dependable, responsible, consistent and punctual
• Flexible and able to take direction
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently
• Pass criminal background check mandated by the State of Maryland
• Valid driving license with good driving record and access to a safe vehicle for transporting people receiving services
• Desire to create long‑term, trusting and respectful relationships

Americans with Disabilities Specifications (Physical Demands)

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit for long periods of time, use hands to hold, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• Employees are generally not exposed to weather conditions
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• Required to work evenings and weekends, when scheduled

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Arc Southern Chesapeake is a drug‑free employer. All offers of employment will be contingent on a successful background check. The Arc Southern Chesapeake is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, religious and or political beliefs. We recruit, employ, retain, compensate, train, promote, discipline, terminate and treat all employees and job applicants based solely on qualification, performance, and competence.