LifeBASE Resident Assistant

LifeBASE Resident Assistant

The LifeBASE Resident Assistant (RA) works in the home with youth ages 18 and older transitioning to adulthood. S/he will provide general oversight, counsel, correction, and accountability for youth as they work toward their individual goals. This position is a volunteer position and reports to the LifeBASE Supervisor. This section describes the primary responsibilities associated with being an RA.

Please note:

the primary responsibilities are not limited to this list.

• Know and understand the rules established in order to maintain consistency.

• Provide a safe, unstructured, nurturing environment that encourages youth engagement and sense of belonging in the home.

• Reside in Immerse Arkansas Housing with youth assigned to the home.

• Act as a productive role model for youth in Immerse Arkansas Housing; modeling good habits related to cooking, self-care, time management and cleanliness in the home.

• Meet once a week with each young adult in the home to review goals, concerns, upcoming events and program compliance.

• Attends meetings and individual supervision to discuss youth and program related issues.

• Conduct a weekly house meeting with youth addressing goals, positive praise and concerns/issues within the home environment.

• Develop, plan, and carry out one activity/outing each month with assigned youth.

• Participate in weekly/monthly meetings with other program staff to assess the youth's progress in the program and make recommendations for advancement when appropriate. (including a weekly meeting with the program director and weekly staff meetings)

• Alert supervisor to issues related to youth's progress, safety and general wellbeing.

• Be responsible for timely and accurate communication within the program. (documenting incident reports, verbal reports, monthly fire drills, quarterly disaster drills, weekly RA reports, cleaning inspections etc.)

• Offer a weekly Bible study/Reading of a book with program youth.

• Participate in various Immerse Arkansas events as requested by the supervisor and/or to support youth to include but not limited to:
  The Gathering, Immerse sponsored youth trips/outings, mentor connecting events, and other Immerse events. (RA's typically provide residents in their house transportation to/from events when needed)

• Other duties as assigned.

All employees will be thoroughly committed to Immerse's mission. The ideal candidate will embrace Immerse's values of with, worship, and scrappy (visit our About Page to learn what this means!). All candidates should have the following qualifications and experience:

Education: Minimum of 21 years old with some college, preferred. Bachelor's degree desired.

Experience: Two years of working with youth who are at-risk or in foster care and/or their families; preferably in a residential treatment setting, social service organization, foster care system.

• Must be able to reside in a college-style, home environment setting with youth.

• Must be available in the home evenings, weekends and on-call as assigned.

• Must have a driver's license and reliable transportation, able to travel within the assigned area on a daily basis.

• Must maintain current certification in CPR, First Aid, and other certifications determined by the program.

• Must successfully complete the required background checks and drug screening.

• Ability to create and maintain a living environment conducive to success.

• Ability to demonstrate competence and consistent implementation of the core components of the Immerse Arkansas program model.

• Ability to work cooperatively and productively with supervisors, co-workers, youth, and volunteers; to work effectively as a team member of an interdisciplinary team; to maintain professional relationships; to resolve conflicts appropriately and use the proper chain of command when communicating

• Ability to grow professionally and learn new skills; to accept constructive feedback and modify behavior accordingly

• Ability to lead others in working in a sometimes stressful and unpredictable environment; skilled in handling crisis situations without overreaction and loss of objectivity

• Ability to contribute to the positive and healthy morale of the work and home environment.

• Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures

• Ability to lead small and large groups; teach and model Independent Living Skills.

• Ability to "see the best" in young adults in your care and maintain an optimistic outlook.

• Knowledge of computers and software applications.

• Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

• Ability to communicate effectively with youth, volunteers, community leaders and co-workers.

• Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.

• Ability to work independently and as a team player.

• Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.

• Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

The Resident Assistant receives living allowance (to include rent, utilities,…