Residential Associate - Full-Time

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ’s love for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need – providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Bridge for Hope, Rapid Rehousing, and our Bread for Life Co-Op.  

Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ’s love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team as a Residential Assistant. In this role, you will coordinate residential care for homeless men, women, and children who are staying at Home Sweet Home Ministries while demonstrating hospitality, positivity, and promoting an environment welcoming to life transformation. Also, you will serve as an ambassador to the community and provide care and resources to non-residential clients who may connect with Home Sweet Home Ministries for services.   

Why Work at Home Sweet Home Ministries? 

Purpose-Driven Impact 
Make a meaningful difference every day. Your work helps restore hope and dignity to individuals in our community while sharing Christ’s love and compassion. 

Comprehensive Full-Time Benefits 
We care for our team so you can care for others. 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Short- and long-term disability coverage 

• Employer-paid life insurance 

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (after one year of employment) 

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

• Generous paid time off 

• Free on-site meals and beverages 

Join a Caring Team 
Work alongside compassionate, mission-driven colleagues who are committed to serving others and making a lasting impact. 

Primary Location 
The Bridge Shelter Village, 104 E. Oakland

Required Schedule  
Monday - Friday, 3PM - 11PM

Hourly Pay 
$17/hour

How You’ll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission

This role supports day-to-day client services through compassionate intake and exit processing, resource distribution, and front desk hospitality. Responsibilities include orienting new residents, managing client needs for basic supplies, ensuring compliance with residential agreements, and maintaining a welcoming environment for all who enter. The role also upholds agency standards by monitoring safety, enforcing policies, conducting screenings and eligibility checks, and performing drug and alcohol testing when required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Intake/Exit Services

• Receive and process intake paperwork for assistance at point of admission

• Initiate screening process based on Client Services protocol, occupancy, client background check.

• Orient and settle client into agency residential life

• Receive and process exit paperwork upon client departure

Hospitality Services

• Distribute resources (food, toiletries, linens, etc) to resident and non-resident clients, based on need and/or structured times

• Monitor medication/substance compliance Manage front desk to ensure professional and courteous response and greeting of clients, volunteers, visitors, and donors

• Warmly answer telephone calls and accurately take down messages for clients and staff

Accountability

• Monitor and enforce policies and procedures to ensure effective and safe provision of client services

• Check client eligibility before distributing resources

• Check building, grounds and client belongings to ensure safety and security

• Administer drug and alcohol testing to resident and non-resident clients as necessary