Shelter Resident Assistant

Volunteers of America Upstate NY; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 37,195 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Volunteers of America Upstate NY is seeking a Shelter Resident Assistant in Ithaca, NY. This role involves providing support to shelter residents and assisting with daily shelter activities to create a safe environment.

The ideal candidate should have a High School Diploma and excellent communication skills, with a focus on helping families in crisis. Responsibilities include meal prep, record maintenance, and crisis management, working in a predominantly indoor environment.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with individuals in crisis.
• Ability to obtain adult first aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to work in a challenging environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide empathetic, compassionate and non-judgmental assistance to families in crisis.
• Assist with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup during designated meal times.
• Maintain accurate records including daily shift logs and incident reports.
• Check email during every shift.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Crisis management

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Details

• Location: Ithaca, NY 14850
• Position Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
• Salary: $27.00 - $28.00 per hour
• Shift: Morning, Afternoon, Evening (evening shift differential $1.00)
• Reports to: Shelter Program Director
• Exempt/Non-Exempt: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Shelter Resident Assistant supports shelter residents and helps create a safe environment for clients. The Resident Assistant works alongside management, case managers and intake coordinators to ensure paperwork is completed and clients have the resources needed for a successful stay.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide empathetic, compassionate and non-judgmental assistance to families in crisis.
• Offer emotional support, actively listen and build rapport with families.
• Assist, oversee and implement daily shelter program and activities, including meal distribution, recreational programs, laundry facilitation, chores, and room turnover.
• Assist with meal preparation, serving, and clean up during designated meal times.
• Handle crisis situations calmly and efficiently, following established procedures.
• Collaborate with team members to address immediate concerns and ensure client safety.
• Enforce shelter rules and policies consistently and fairly.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, including daily shift logs, incident reports and rule violations.
• Communicate effectively with the shelter management team.
• Check email during every shift.
• Attend and participate in all mandatory meetings and trainings.
• Assist with intakes and discharges as necessary.
• Monitor facility, including answering phones, conducting rounds and viewing cameras.
• Complete daily room inspections per shelter policies to ensure safety, cleanliness and rule adherence.
• Turn over rooms when clients leave, including performing laundry and cleaning as necessary.
• Assist coworkers with responsibilities as needs arise.
• Other duties as requested to benefit clients and programs.

Education & Qualification Requirements

• Minimum of High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including working with individuals in crisis and vulnerable populations.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to obtain adult first aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to work in a changing and challenging environment.

Physical Requirements

Occasional walking and standing in and around the office; must be able to lift loads of up to 30 pounds without assistance; requires ability to sit, talk, hear and climb stairs.

Work Environment

Predominantly indoor in a standard office setting; moderate noise level. Employee may be asked to travel between sites or transport participants and may be exposed to outdoor elements. Employee may be exposed to communicable diseases and must function around behavioral concerns.

Responsibility of Others

The employee has no direct responsibility or supervision of other staff.

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above describes the general nature and level of work performed, but is not an exhaustive list. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with federal and state laws.

EEO Policy Statement

VOAUPNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory, diverse work environment. We base employment decisions on merit, qualifications, and abilities. VOAUPNY does not unlawfully discriminate on any protected characteristic. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, training, and access to benefits, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.