Resident Support Specialist I/II (Community Re-Entry)

At NWRRC, we are passionate about community safety and helping our residents successfully reintegrate into society. Since 1964, we have provided high-quality reintegration services to individuals transitioning from incarceration, those on probation orders, and those under community restoration orders. As a non-profit organization, we operate a 150 bed residential re-entry center, committed to promoting accountability, safety, and positive changes in our community.

We're looking for compassionate and safety-minded individuals to join our center's Aid and Assist and DCJ program, which supports adults with severe and persistent mental health conditions who are involved in the criminal justice system. This program helps individuals who, due to their mental health, have been found by the court unable to fully participate in their own legal defense.

Our goal is to provide housing and support services for these adults, offering a stepping stone for those who no longer need psychiatric hospital-level care, or as an alternative to hospital or jail placement. You'll work with individuals facing challenges like schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, or other SPMI conditions. Many may also struggle with Substance Use Disorders.

Position:

We're hiring a Resident Support Specialist I or II to join our Aid and Assist/DCJ Program, where you'll support justice-involved adults with severe and persistent mental illness, all within a large residential setting. This role focuses on helping residents rebuild their lives through engaging activities, life skills training, and positive encouragement in a structured correctional environment. This position works directly alongside the Security Department to ensure the safety of our program. The work you will do is rewarding but can also be very challenging.

Sample of Responsibilities:

• Build trust and connect with residents facing serious mental health conditions, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
• Provide one-on-one support to help residents follow community treatment plans, facility rules, and daily schedules.
• Teach life skills and legal skills to empower residents for success. Life skills include teaching and encouraging personal hygiene and room sanitation.
• Plan and lead fun, creative group activities and events to promote well-being and community involvement.
• Help residents navigate daily tasks, encourage positive behaviors, and support them in making good choices.
• Keep the environment calm by de-escalating conflicts, preventing crises, and managing challenging behaviors.
• Use NWRRC vehicles to run errands in the community. For example, picking up resident prescriptions and supplies.
• Process and pass out controlled medications.
• Work closely with case managers, program leaders, and Oregon counties or courts to ensure residents' needs are met.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Rate: $25.86 to $27.61 per hour, DOE.
• Benefits Package:
  • Healthcare: 100% of medical, vision, and dental premiums covered for employees; 50% for spouses and dependents. Includes life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): up to 24 days of PTO and vacation annually (approx. 4.8 weeks).
  • Sick Time: up to 12 days of sick time annually (approx. 2.4 weeks).
  • Retirement: Employer-funded Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan with a 7% employer contribution of gross earnings, available after 1 year.
  • Education Assistance: Up to 50% of education costs for related degrees or certificates, available after 6 months.
  • Fitness Perks: up to $50 earned monthly for fitness.
  • Free Meals: Enjoy free meals during meal service from NWRRC's excellent cafeteria. Also, lunch breaks are paid for!
  • Additional perks and benefits.

Qualifications:

• Degree in social work, psychology, or related field preferred.
• QMHA certification preferred.
• 1-2 years' experience in mental health, behavioral health, substance use, or correctional/social services settings is preferred.
• Must be available 24/7 for any shift, any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. For example, must be available for day shift, swing shift, graveyard shift, and split shifts. Schedules are designed to be a 40-hour work week and are as consistent as possible for work-life balance. Occasional overtime should be expected.
• Strong interpersonal skills to connect with residents with serious mental health conditions.
• Strong boundaries and clear communication to guide, teach life skills, and collaborate with courts, case managers, and other NWRRC staff.
• Ability to de-escalate conflicts and manage crises calmly and safely.
• Creative in leading engaging group activities.
• Comfortable in a structured correctional environment while promoting positive behaviors.

Why Work With Us? By joining NWRRC, you'll play a key role in supporting individuals who are making significant life changes. This is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of residents while working within a professional, supportive environment.

Apply Today! If you're ready to make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply and become part of our dedicated team.

NWRRC is an equal opportunity employer.