Lead Resident Assistant

Job DetailsJob Location: 320 Chenango - Binghamton, NY 13901Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $19.00 - $21.00 HourlyTravel Percentage: NegligibleLead Residential Assistant – Emergency Shelter Job Description

Position Title

Lead Residential Assistant

eports To: Shelter Manager / Program Director

Position Summary

The Lead Residential Assistant supports the daily operations of an emergency shelter by ensuring a safe, respectful, and structured environment for residents and staff. This role provides direct supervision during assigned shifts, assists with crisis intervention, monitors shelter activities, and serves as a lead worker for Residential Assistants.

The position requires strong communication, conflict resolution, documentation, and leadership skills while working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, or other crises.

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support & Supervision

Maintain a safe, clean, and supportive shelter environment
Conduct resident check-ins, room assignments, and orientations
Monitor resident activities and ensure compliance with shelter rules
Provide emotional support, active listening, and crisis de-escalation
Respond appropriately to emergencies, conflicts, and behavioral incidents
Assist residents with accessing community resources and referrals

Leadership Duties

Lead and support Residential Assistants during assigned shifts
Provide guidance on policies, procedures, and crisis response
Assist with staff training and onboarding
Communicate important updates between shifts and management
Help coordinate daily shelter operations and task assignments

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain accurate shift logs, incident reports, and resident records
Document behavioral concerns, safety issues, and service interactions
Report emergencies, maintenance concerns, and policy violations promptly
Ensure confidentiality of resident information

Safety & Facility Monitoring

Perform regular building rounds and security checks
Monitor entrances, exits, and visitor access
Enforce health, safety, and sanitation standards
Respond to medical emergencies following shelter procedures
Coordinate with emergency services when necessary

Collaboration

Work closely with case managers, social workers, and community partners
Participate in team meetings and trainings
Support trauma-informed and client-centered care practices

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, or related field preferred
Experience working in shelters, residential programs, human services, or crisis environments preferred
Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and crisis intervention techniques
CPR/First Aid certification preferred

Required Skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to remain calm during crises
Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
Leadership and teamwork abilities
Professional documentation and reporting
Ability to work evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

EEO POLICY STATEMENT:

VOAUPNY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory, diverse work environment.  In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at VOAUPNY will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Qualifications