The purpose of the position is to supervise and deliver quality behavioral health services and care to youth ages 12 to 17 years of age with substance use/chemical dependency/co-occurring problems. The Resident Assistant works in coordination with other professional staff in the management and supervision of facility residents to ensure a safe, structured, and therapeutic residential treatment environment. The incumbent reports to the Supervisory Social Services Assistant.
To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following experience and/or education is required to qualify for this position. For GS-5: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the private or public sector) performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Aid or assistant to professional or specialist staff working with individuals who are addicted to or abuse alcohol and/or drugs, serve as a group leader in community or residential recreation or training programs, and/or perform as a counselor in a youth summer camp. This experience should provide you the ability to recognize deviations from normal behavior or problematic behaviors, and report to treatment team or appropriate staff. OR Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree that (a) included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of subjects directly related to the work of the position; (b) included a major in social behavior, human behavior, or health care or; (c) was supplemented by experience in activities that afforded the opportunity to acquire and demonstrate the skills required by the position. (The supplementary experience may have been gained, for example, in part-time or summer employment, in volunteer social welfare or recreation programs, or in community organizations. For GS-6: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the private or public sector) performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Supervise the day-to-day activities of a group to maintain order and safety; instruct and supervise the group members in such daily activities as work details to keep their quarters in order, physical training, recreation; give practical advice and counsel to individuals on everyday problems of adjustment to the group; or provide client services in a field such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. This experience should provide you the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to deviations from normal behavior, identify problematic behaviors, and report to treatment team or appropriate staff. For GS-7: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the private or public sector) performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Plan and carry out successive steps to handle behavioral problems in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training, or accepted practices within the interdisciplinary health care team; work with a multidisciplinary team (such as psychologists, nurses, social workers, and administrators) to ensure the safety and well-being of patients; facilitate group activities; recognize and respond appropriately to deviations from normal behavior; provide non-professional counseling to de-escalate aggressive or difficult behavior, or to help the patient/resident process a situation or incident. OR One full year of graduate education directly related to the work of the position meets the requirement. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for all grade levels and positions for which both education and experience are acceptable. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).
Supervise daily tasks and assignments of residents such as making beds, housekeeping assignments, etc.; assist in maintenance of the living units. Provide guidance and instruction in group activities, personal health and hygiene, courtesy, and etiquette to residents. Supervise and assist residents in getting ready for school, therapy groups, and other treatment activities. Attend activities as directed to assist in management of resident's behavior. Assist residents with homework assignments from school classes and treatment sessions. Escort residents to and from meals and on field trips providing observation during meals and trips. Provide transportation to airport, hospital, and/or other treatment activities as directed. Provide non-professional counseling for patients. Recognize and respond appropriately to deviations from normal behavior. Provide crisis intervention and management of aggressive or difficult behavior. Participate with a multidisciplinary team concerning patient care plans and patient management. Keep drug and alcohol counselors and the Clinical Director informed on all clinical and administrative issues. Assist the treatment team in the assessment, emotional support counseling, and follow-up. Interact daily with psychologist, nurses, social workers, administrators, community resources, resident and their families. Keep well written records (such as daily logs and incident reports) in accordance with the treatment center policies and procedures.