Housing Residential Specialist

Plays an essential role in supporting youth and young adults (YYAs) experiencing homelessness by fostering a safe, stable, and supportive living environment. Utilizing the Housing First for Youth approach, this position focuses on building positive relationships with clients, promoting life skills development, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. As part of the team, the Residential Specialist collaborates with Case Managers and other staff to provide holistic support that enhances the overall well-being and long-term stability of YYAs.

Residential Specialist ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Client Support & Housing Stability

· Utilize Housing First for Youth principles to provide individualized, youth-centered support, prioritizing stable housing without preconditions.

· Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed residential environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of all YYAs.

· Support YYAs in navigating daily living activities, reinforcing positive habits in areas such as good hygiene, housekeeping, time management, and meal preparation.

· Assist in life skills development and positive connections by facilitating and encouraging engagement in enrichment activities, social skill-building, and problem solving.

· Provide guidance and reinforcement in coping strategies, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation using a strength-based approach.

Collaboration and Team Coordination

· Work closely with case managers and other team members to ensure seamless coordination of services and alignment with each client's individualized goals.

· Document and communicate client updates, progress, or concerns through designated communication channels, ensuring timely follow-up and intervention when necessary.

· Participate in shift handovers, contributing insights and observations to support case planning and service improvement.

· Communicate with the security team and follow safety protocols to ensure a secure and stable residential environment for all YYAs.

Residential Operations and Program Support

· Monitor and maintain communal spaces, ensuring they remain clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living experience.

· Oversee adherence to program expectations, addressing any concerns with a strengths-based, youth-centered approach.

· Assist in preparing apartments for move-ins and move-outs, ensuring units are safe, clean, and welcoming.

· Support YYAs in tracking their weekly schedules, reinforcing accountability for work, school and program participation.

· Conduct rounds and apartment inspections, reinforcing program guidelines while ensuring a supportive and non-punitive environment.

Documentation and Compliance

· Ensure all interactions and services align with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and Housing First for Youth principles.

· Maintain a minimum of 5 hours of monthly productivity according to standards set by Senior Management by providing individual and groups services, as appropriate.

· Maintain accurate client records in compliance with agency procedures and funder requirements, ensuring all documentation is completed within 72 hours as per agency standards.

It is the policy of Daybreak to ensure that the facility is in compliance with all license requirements and that all employees are fit for duty. Once a conditional offer of employment has been given, Daybreak requires that all prospective employees sign a background check release form and pass pre-employment testing before a start date may be given.

Background Check

Daybreak is required by State of Ohio law to perform a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting, of eligible applicants. In addition to the fingerprints, Daybreak requires the following additional background checks.

• Federal Exclusion databases including:
  • National Sex Offender Registry
  • Office Inspector General (OIG)
  • Nurse Aide Registry
  • SAM
  • of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)
• Motor Vehicle Report

Pre-employment Testing

The following pre-employment tests will be conducted at Daybreak's expense. Tests include:

• A tuberculin skin test or chest x-ray (by a physician of Daybreak's choosing)
• A urine drug screening (by a testing facility of Daybreak's choosing)

Should the pre-employment reviews indicate that the prospective employee does not meet the employment requirements, Daybreak has the option of either not hiring the person or postponing employment until the condition prohibiting employment has been removed.

If the background or pre-employment checks contain information that the applicant has committed, been convicted of, or pleaded guilty to any criminal offense, unless the charge was a minor misdemeanor not involving violence or a sexual offense at least 5 years old, or if the applicant refuses to submit fingerprints for a criminal background check, the conditional offer of employment will be withdrawn immediately.

Pursuant to SB 38 (child-serving agency), if it is determined that the applicant has committed one of the disqualifying events listed on the attached Ohio Revised Code Disqualifier sheet may prevent employment at Daybreak.