Purpose: (General description and summary)

Provides adults disabled by serious mental illness with supportive services as described in the Oregon Administrative Rules. This includes ensuring a clean and organized environment, supporting residents in their individual recovery goals, and assisting with medication administration as ordered by a licensed medical professional. Residential Support Specialists may also lead activities, assist in the implementation of treatment plan interventions and provide skills training and activities as assigned.

Accountabilities: (Responsibilities of the job)

• Understands Oregon rules regarding Home and Community Based mental health services, which guarantee residents a maximum level of freedom and personal rights and assists them to follow a person-centered recovery plan.
• Assists clients with daily living skills such as keeping appointments and completing household tasks.
• Assists clients with individual goals dependent on their individual person-centered plans as well as their Residential Service Plans.
• Oversees house safety (fire drills, security of house at night, resolving disputes among residents, etc.)
• Responsible for seeing that the facility is clean, orderly, and safe at all times.
• Ensures provision of healthy meals and kitchen clean up.
• Proactively supports healthy eating and an active lifestyle for program participants.
• Prompts residents to participate in organized physical activity at least once per shift (day & swing) and encourages mindfulness around healthy eating habits.
• Maintains the cleanliness of food storage areas, common areas and employee office.
• Completes all shift duties required by each individual facility.
• Assists residents with completion of deep cleaning, and laundry.
• Completes contraband checks as allowed by resident and OARs.
• Distributes medication in accordance with physicians’ orders.
• Distributes medication according to New Narrative policy, including: comparing medication packaging to the eMAR, opening the medication, placing it into a disposable cup, handing the medication to the resident, and then signing the eMAR. All NARC administration will be documented immediately after administering a medication and will reflect an accurate count of the medication at all times.
• At the end of each shift, reviews each individual resident’s eMAR to ensure all documentation is complete.
• Encourages residents to learn medication names, dosages, functions, and potential side effects (depending on individual Residential Treatment Plan).
• Follows guidelines in the medication policy. Remains constantly alert to changes in medication and updates medication charts as needed.
• Ensures that client rights are protected.
• Assists in crisis intervention. Answers crisis calls and contacts appropriate treatment team members.
• Escorts and supervises residents during community outings.
• Documents all interactions with residents during each shift according to policy and Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Documents all critical incidents in a timely manner and notifying supervisor immediately of any critical incident.
• Knows supervisor’s contact information.
• Completes shift summary and individual resident notes each shift.
• Adheres to all New Narrative policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Overnight employees must be awake, alert and dressed at all times.
• Completes other tasks as assigned by House Manager, Facility Administrator, or Residential Program Manager.

Other General Expectations:

• Must have a criminal records clearance through the State Mental Health Division prior to starting employment.
• Must be tested for tuberculosis within two weeks of date of hire.
• Must undergo a minimum of 16 hours pre-service orientation, which will include a review of house rules, policies, and procedures; education on psychiatric disabilities; an overview of resident service arrangements; a summary of each resident’s risk factors; medication management procedures; food service arrangements; a summary of resident’s assessment and residential service plan; Credible; and any other relevant information.
• Will not work over 40 hours per week unless authorized by a supervisor.
• Will report to work promptly and will adhere to all scheduling and attendance policies.
• Regular in-service training on issues relevant to residential care to total not less than 8 hours a year. Training will be arranged by the Facility Administrator.
• Attend and positively participate in required meetings, including mandatory monthly staff meetings.
• Pursues ongoing development of skills and competencies.
• Follows all agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Complies with all New Narrative safety rules and regulations.
• Follows through on all directives and instructions.
• Maintains security of keys, files, and facility systems.
• Will be required to work at other sites during times of temporary need.

Positions Reporting: (Listing of job incumbents reporting into this position)

None.

Education/Certificates/Licenses/Registration:

QMHA credentials preferred.

Experience/Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age and capable of implementing the emergency procedures and disaster plan.

Impact:

New Narrative residential operations are an essential part of New Narrative’s overall continuum of service and supports. As a member of a residential team, Residential Support Specialists will help to insure best practices, positive clinical outcomes, and quality of services.