Overview:
Shift Leaders must be prepared to complete all functions of a Resident Assistant, in addition to the “Leader” responsibilities.
While a Shift Lead does not possess supervisory power, the Shift Lead is the manager on site, carries authority, and is responsible to provide leadership to the team – through delegation, coordination and cooperation with all team members.
The Shift Lead needs to exhibit excellent critical thinking skills; be able to make quick and logical decisions; demonstrate maturity and professionalism; possess knowledge of agency and program policies – and be able to articulate and implement them.
Resident Assistant Responsibilities:
- Supervise residents in the program including coaching residents on program policies and rules to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for residents and staff. Provide conflict resolution, crisis intervention and supportive counseling as needed.
- Address immediate basic needs for individuals entering shelter including orientation to facility, house schedule, program rules and staff. Provide supplies to meet immediate basic needs.
- Promote activities to increase competence with activities of daily living and independent living skills. Assist Case Managers in working with residents on their goal plans.
- Maintain accurate documentation including statistics, clear and concise individual case narratives and log entries, daily census, Intake/Discharge forms and narratives, and HMIS data entry.
- Complete shift specific support services.
- Maintain communication shift-to-shift in staff journal.
- Answer telephone and respond to inquiries. Provide resources and referrals for 24 hour crisis line. Communicate any needs (maintenance or repairs) in the communication journal. Any urgent safety concerns are to be addressed immediately.
- Attend mandatory monthly staff meetings, bi-weekly leadership meetings and required training sessions. Maintain certifications.
- Demonstrate cultural competence as well as integrate understanding into daily responsibilities and participate in meeting the objectives of The Salvation Army Syracuse Area Services Strategic Plan.
Evening Shift Lead: As the Shift Leader on Overnights
- Conduct weekly (at minimum) comprehensive safety inspections of bedrooms, restrooms, and common areas; document findings and report urgent issues or supply needs
- Manage and oversee storage of Foodbank, Sysco, and other program inventory
- Supervise completion of second-shift client chores and perform detailed daily rounds of common areas, bathrooms, and laundry spaces
- Track inventory of facility needs, including cleaning supplies, safety equipment (e.g., first aid kits, NARCAN, signage), maintenance items, and donations
- Develop and maintain a monthly meal calendar for residents
- Provide primary oversight of permanent supportive housing apartments during evening shifts
- Assist with bi-weekly resident house meetings and support social/recreational programming in coordination with the Supervisor
- Maintain ability to transport residents when approved by a Supervisor
- Oversee evening RA task completion, monitor laundry operations, and manage HMIS data including intake and discharge updates
- Perform other duties as assigned