Shelter Overnight Lead Resident Assistant

Make a difference in a family's life!

Volunteers of America Upstate New York's continuum of residential programs offer homeless & low-income individuals and families safe housing and support services. We provide long-term solutions to the problems of homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and poverty by helping the people we serve overcome obstacles and develop healthier, more self-sufficient lives.

Position Title:

Shelter Overnight Lead Resident Assistant (Ithaca)

Salary: $28 - $30 per hour

Reports to:

Shelter Program Director

Exempt/Non-Exempt Status:
Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Lead Resident Assistant is responsible for providing direct support to clients residing in the shelter, creating a safe and structured environment, and supervising Resident Assistants (RAs). This position works closely with shelter management and case managers to ensure client needs are met, documentation is completed, and program rules are followed. In addition, the Lead Resident Assistant plays a key role in supporting and supervising shelter staff, addressing client concerns, and helping to develop and maintain program structure and consistency.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership & Supervision

Provide supervision, guidance, and support to Resident Assistants during shifts.
Conduct regular supervisions with RAs to review performance, address challenges, and support professional growth.
Assist shelter management in scheduling, assigning duties, and ensuring adequate staff coverage.
Respond to and resolve client complaints in a timely, professional manner.
Help develop, implement, and enforce shelter rules, procedures, and program structure.
Serve as a point of contact for Resident Assistants when issues arise during shifts.

Resident Assistant Duties

Provide empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgmental assistance to clients in crisis, offering emotional support and building rapport.
Assist, oversee, and implement daily shelter programs and activities, including meal distribution, recreational programs, laundry, chores, and room turnovers.
Assist with meal preparation, serving, and clean-up during designated times.
Handle crisis situations calmly and efficiently, following established procedures.
Work collaboratively 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 as required, including daily shift logs, incident reports, and rule violations.
Communicate effectively with shelter management.
Check and respond to 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 compliance.
Turn over rooms when clients leave, including laundry and cleaning as necessary.
Assist coworkers with responsibilities as needs arise.
Other duties as requested to benefit clients and shelter programs.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands and working conditions 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.

Performing the duties of this job require occasional walking and standing in and around the office. Must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance and the ability to sit, talk and hear is required. The ability to climb stairs is essential.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions are exposed to communicable diseases and are required to function around behavioral concerns.

The majority of essential duties are performed indoors, in a normal office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee may be asked to travel between sites and may be exposed to outdoor elements.

RESPONSIBILITY OF OTHERS:

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

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER:

The above is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

Employees will be required to follow any other job-related…