Resident Advisor

POSITION TITLE: Resident Advisor

DEPARTMENT: Shelter

REPORTS TO: Direct Service Manager

DIRECT REPORTS:  None 

SALARY: $30,000 -$37,000 annually

LOCATION: Shelter, 460 West 41st Street, NY NY 10036

Join a Legacy of Hope and Empowerment at Covenant House New York!

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been at the forefront of transforming lives by providing comprehensive shelter, housing, and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway, and exploited youth. As the largest provider of these essential services in New York City, CHNY impacts the lives of over 1,500 young people aged 16-24 every year.

At CHNY, our doors are open to all young people in need, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. Our dedicated team offers various services, including shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health support, youth development, and anti-human trafficking initiatives. We operate with harm reduction and trauma-informed principles to ensure the best care for our youth.

But our mission goes beyond immediate support. We are passionate advocates for systemic change, influencing public policy, and raising awareness of the critical issues surrounding youth homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide a safe refuge and empower young people to build a brighter future founded on compassion, unconditional love, and absolute respect.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless young people. Join a team that inspires long-term transformation and hope.

Job Summary

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Provide direct engagement, supervision and support to youth residing in shelter.
• Operate fully out of CHNYs mission, vision and 5 principles and maintain an environment that displays this culture.
• Ensure that the floor and rooms are clean, safe and well-lit in preparation for the new youth entering program. Ensure that floors and rooms remain serviceable throughout youth residency.
• Monitor program and client activities to ensure a safe and secure environment. Including, but not limited to securing the unit in the event of an altercation, conducting room searches in accordance with CHNY policy, assisting in evacuation during drills and emergencies.
• Welcome youth to floor and orient youth to floor expectations, Mission Statement and 5 principles.
• Assist youth with preparation for the day. Support youth in life skills, ie. laundry, ironing, cleaning etc.
• Provide support to Case Managers as needed, distribute appointment slips, appointment follow up, collection and filing of paperwork, assist with file maintenance and compliance,
• Must have an understanding of the youth service plan.
• Maintain ETO records and clearly document all youth activities and meaningful interactions using the S.O.A.P. format.
• Escort youths to other agencies and services when necessary (e.g., hospitals, mass transit).
• Conduct room searches for Youth Shelter residents after emergency evacuations to ensure everyone is safely off the floor.
• Create sanctuary for youth on the floor.
• Provide direct support and monitoring when escorting youth to clothing rooms, being in the cafeteria for meals, participating in recreation activities, group activities and special events.
• Directly engage with youth at all levels of service, i.e., Be where the youth are
• Maintain healthy relationships with the youth, mindful of boundaries and mutual respect.
• Conduct nightly meetings focused on CHNY Mission and Principles, motivation, mutual support and community building.
• Conduct workshops on various life-skill issues, such as hygiene, anger management, self-esteem, and problem solving, cleaning and laundry.
• Complete all incident reports fully and correctly by end of shift and submit to appropriate parties.
• Participate in all required trainings, supervision and staff meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned/needed.

• High School/GED with 1 year of relevant work experience required. Bachelors Degree Preferred
• Experience working with at-risk youth strongly preferred.
• NYS Drivers license preferred. Comfortability driving a 7-passenger van a plus.
• Interest in working with homeless and runaway youth issues; with a focus on housing, employment, education and health services.
• Excellent organizational skills to develop living situations for young adults.
• Ability to monitor and de-escalate in a crisis situation.
• Ability to follow instructions, prioritize assignments and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexible work schedule to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Benefits

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to:

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Life & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance 
• Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire
• PTO includes three weeks of vacation in the first year, ten holidays, thirteen sick days, five personal days, and birthday days off
• 403b with employer contribution after 12 months

Covenant House New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, and we are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment where everyone feels respected and valued. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at deptpeopleandculture@covenanthouse.org