GENERAL SUMMARY:
The role of the Resident Advisor is to advocate for and provide direct care services for youth seeking assistance from Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO). Resident Advisors ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all youth in accordance with the Covenant House Mission Statement, Five Principles, and Core Values.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Initiate and maintain positive, professional, and mentoring relationships with youth and staff in accordance with the Covenant House Mission, Principles, and Core Values.
- Promote a peaceful, healing environment by utilizing the principles and practices of trauma-informed care and positive youth development in all aspects of work and youth engagement, including crisis prevention, intervention, and de-escalation.
- Ensure that Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO) is a welcoming, safe, and secure “homelike” environment for youth receiving services.
- Spend time actively listening to youth and learning of their personal experiences and histories.
- Safeguard youth from physical, sexual, and/or verbal harassment and abuse, and from discrimination (based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, and religion).
- Take a proactive stance to ensure that youth are treated appropriately by other youth, staff, and guests of the agency.
- Welcome and assist new and returning residents to CHNO: address their immediate needs (shelter, food, clothing, etc.), complete intake in a timely manner, orient residents to the program and services available (including each youth’s rights).
- Participate in weekly case reviews and the development of resident’s case plans; provide support and guidance to residents (and Case Managers) in an effort to meet goals developed in individual case plan(s).
- Assist Case Managers in the follow-up of resident’s appointments, referrals, and case plans.
- Provide support to residents by actively engaging in classes, workshops, and activities, including safe transportation and supervision of off-site activities.
- Provide Life Skills training and direction to residents on topics including but not limited to:
- Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Self-Esteem and Self-Development
- Wellness
- Assist in the reunification of homeless minors and young adults with their families/relatives, including contacting families and facilitating travel plans home (i.e. authorizing bus tickets through Greyhound).
- Assist, monitor, and document residents’ self-administration of medications (i.e. recording medications on the individual resident’s MAR form).
- Complete all daily documentation by the end of each shift (i.e. intake packet, progress notes, transition notes, significant event forms, critical incident forms, floor and room inspection forms, etc.).
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date information in both electronic and paper case files on current and former residents, including ETO, HMIS, and other information systems as required.
- Maintain residents’ safety by assisting with any medical and/or other emergencies.
- Ensure the prompt evacuation of the facility in the event of a fire/fire drill or other emergencies.
- Ensure that the daily cleanliness/appearance of the facility and grounds are maintained by both residents and staff.
- Maintain awareness of physical environment and submit Maintenance Requests as needed.
- Attend all trainings (unless specifically excused by supervisor) and integrate information and tools into individualized tasks and responsibilities.
- Perform other job-related duties as requested.
