Residential Support Aide

Qualifications

• You Bring:
• Expertise
• Physical Capabilities
• Trauma-Informed Approach

At Northern Children’s Services, Inc., we value diversity, inclusion, and the well-being of every individual. Join us in our mission to empower children and families, one meaningful interaction at a time. Apply today and be a part of something truly extraordinary!

Northern Children's Services supports the healthy development of children and youth, while stabilizing their families to build stronger communities. Everything we do at Northern Children's Services is designed to create a better future for our families.

Availability to be considered for position

• open availability

Shifts: 11pm-7am

3pm-11pm

7am-3pm

• We are currently hiring part-time Support Aides for our Generations I and Crossroads programs. Reporting directly to the Residential Supervisor, the Support Aide provides trauma-informed support to residents and their children and assists in maintaining a welcoming, safe, and supportive community environment, while ensuring that residential services are of the highest quality standards according to the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regulatory and funding source guidelines, as well as state licensing requirements.
• The Generations I program is a congregate care foster care program that serves young women up to age 21 who are pregnant and/or parenting.
• The Crossroads program supports young adults between the ages of 18-24 to stabilize while acquiring individualized skill development and support to transition successfully into adulthood.

This position works one of three shifts (the programs are staffed 24 hrs/day). Specific responsibilities vary based on the shift.

Essential Functions Include

• Leadership
• Support an environment that fosters growth and development for all residents and encourages residents to actively participate as a partner in the development of goals and planning of services.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional interactions with other staff and residents and hold others (staff and residents) accountable when unethical and/or unprofessional interactions do occur.
• Interact calmly and appropriately in crisis situations and manage positive outcomes for the safety of the residents.
• Demonstrate positive teamwork in working with other Support Aides and members of the Residential Programs team.

• Direct Service
• Ensure the residents and their children are supervised and have adequate meals and activities.
• Transport residents to appointments, check inventory for supplies, check/purchase requests, and food shopping when required.
• Ensure medication administration policies and procedures are followed.
• Support an environment that fosters growth and development for all residents.

• Documentation & Communication
• Complete all documentation in a timely fashion and in required formats, including but not limited to: therapeutic and non-therapeutic interactions, unusual incidents, routine activities, progress notes, health & safety checklist, point sheets, medication administration, etc.
• Complete and submit a daily end of shift report.
• Ensure residents are provided with written appointment reminders daily.
• Communicate pertinent information daily with the Support Aide staff regarding doctors appointments, school attendance, transportation, court dates, behavioral therapy appointments and group therapy participation, recreational activities, and any needs and/or concerns that a resident or staff member has presented.

• Monitoring
• Monitor and track residents to ensure regular participation in the program, including chores, maintaining cleanliness of rooms, etc.
• Monitor residents school attendance as applicable.

• Basic Skill Sets
• Ability to clearly and positively communicate and interact with all Generation I staff and residents.
• Ability to give clear and concise oral and written instructions.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and pertinent software programs a must (i.e., Microsoft Office).

Qualifications

• Education: minimum high-school diploma or GED required. Associates Degree or college degree from four-year, accredited institution a plus. Major in human services or related field preferred.
• At least 21 years-old (required)
• Experience: minimum of two years working with adolescents in a child welfare or behavioral health setting or related experience required. Experience with young women, infants, and toddlers preferred.
• Special Skills: Familiar with Philadelphia child welfare system (i.e., the Department of Human Services, Community Umbrella Agencies), as well as with and intersecting systems (i.e., the court system, probation, behavioral health).
• Certification in medication administration a plus.

• Physical Capabilities & Work Environment
• Ability to walk up and down stairs.
• Ability to lift at least 20 lbs.
• Ability to operate a computer.
• Current valid drivers license and the willingness to drive as needed.

• Trauma-Informed Principles Northern Children’s Services is committed to fostering a therapeutic environment rooted in safety, nonviolence, and resilience. Our policies are guided by trauma-informed principles, ensuring that we create a supportive and healing atmosphere for clients and staff. A trauma-informed approach recognizes that past experiences, including trauma, can significantly impact a person’s behavior, emotions, and interactions. Therefore, we strive to:
• Use emotional intelligence: Respond with empathy and awareness, even in difficult situations.
• Communicate effectively: Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and avoid judgmental language.
• Understand trauma’s impact: Be aware that clients or colleagues may react based on past experiences, not just the present moment.
• Apply person-first, strengths-based language: Focus on people’s strengths and abilities rather than defining them by their challenges (e.g., saying "a person experiencing homelessness" instead of "a homeless person").

By adhering to these principles, we ensure that our workplace is not only effective but also compassionate and inclusive for everyone.

Americans with Disabilities

As with all positions at Northern Children’s Services, Inc. we recognize the importance of accommodations individuals with disabilities. In that, we are committed to every extent possible accommodating disabled individual. We recognize the American With Disabilities Act of 1991 and understand the need to reasonably accommodate employees. All accommodation will be evaluated on a case- by case basis, evaluating the essential functions of the positions.

Discrimination is prohibited in employment, promotion, assignment or dismissal, on the basis of race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, and handicap, or receipt of services for mental disability.