Support Specialist

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Build supportive professional relationships that model healthy communication, boundaries, and responsible decision-making.
• Coach residents in developing independent living skills, including:
  • Household management and shared living responsibilities
  • Meal planning and basic cooking
  • Budgeting, banking, and financial literacy
  • Time management and organization
  • Healthy communication and conflict resolution
• Support residents in identifying and working toward personal goals related to employment, education, and housing stability.

Daily Living & Housing Stability

• Support the Housing Manager in maintaining a safe, clean, and respectful living environment.
• Encourage residents to maintain their personal living spaces and shared household responsibilities.
• Help residents establish daily routines that support productivity and stability.
• Assist residents in navigating transportation and community resources.

Education, Employment & Community Engagement

• Encourage and support residents in maintaining employment, education, or vocational training.
• Provide guidance with résumé development, job searches, and interview preparation.
• Encourage healthy community involvement, positive peer relationships, and pro-social activities.

Behavioral & Emotional Support

• Provide guidance using trauma-informed and strengths-based practices.
• Support residents in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving strategies.
• Address conflicts or challenges calmly while encouraging accountability and growth.

Health & Safety

• Support the Housing Manager in maintaining a safe living environment consistent with program standards.
• Assist residents in managing health appointments and personal wellness.
• Support medication oversight only as required by program policy, recognizing many residents self-administer medications.
• Respond appropriately to safety concerns or emergencies.

Documentation & Communication

• Maintain accurate daily logs, communication notes, and incident reports as required.
• Communicate resident progress, concerns, and support needs to the Housing Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Program Support

• Support the Housing Manager in implementing program policies, expectations, and routines.
• Participate in team meetings and training opportunities.
• Model Valley Teen Ranch values, professionalism, and respectful engagement with residents.
• Perform additional duties that support housing stability and resident success

Agency Requirements

• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Must undergo and pass a thorough background check.
• No child abuse record or allegations
• TB and Health Screening Required
• Ability to work in a non-smoking atmosphere
• Have and maintain a valid CA driver’s license, safe driving record and reliable transportation
• Proof of automobile insurance
• Adhere to ROH policies and procedures
• Subscribe to and support the Mission, Vision, Foundational Pillars and Theology statement of Valley Teen Ranch Organization.

Qualifications

• Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership
• Exhibit problem prevention and problem-solving skills
• Ability to multi-task and establish priorities
• Administrative skills including: being organized, good time management, planning and initiative