Residential Support Specialist

At New Narrative, we believe mental health care is community care. As a nonprofit organization, we partner with individuals to promote healing, housing stability, and long-term wellness through compassionate, equitable support.

If you’re passionate about community impact, we invite you to join our team.

Full Time Position

Expected Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7am - 3pm

Purpose: The Permanent Supportive Housing Resident Support Specialist (PSH RSS) provides direct support to residents in New Narrative's Permanent Supportive Housing programs. This position promotes housing stability, independence, and community integration by fostering a safe, supportive living environment. The PSH RSS works collaboratively with residents, treatment providers, property management, and community partners to support resident goals and successful housing retention.

Accountabilities: (Responsibilities of the job)

• Build positive relationships with residents through trauma-informed, recovery-oriented support.
• Provide emotional support, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention as needed.
• Support residents with activities of daily living, through skills training focused on tasks such as: completion of deep cleaning, laundry, maintaining a daily routine, scheduling appointments, and community navigation
• Encourage participation in community activities and resident engagement.
• Monitor resident and facility safety through welfare checks, risk assessments, emergency response, and routine safety procedures. Coordinate with external resources such as law enforcement or other first responders as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
• Complete accurate documentation, including communication logs, incident reports, and resident notes.
• Coordinate and assist with move-ins, move-outs, and resident transitions with property management and internal teams.
• Communicate significant incidents, safety concerns, and property issues according to agency procedures.
• Participate in required trainings and maintain compliance with agency policies and professional standards.

Other General Expectations:

• Follow all agency policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers, treatment providers, property management, and community partners.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Communicate effectively during shift changes and ensure continuity of care.
• Assist at other program sites when operational needs require.
• Follow attendance expectations, including making reasonable efforts to secure shift coverage and notifying supervisors when needed.

Core Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills. Effectively work as a team.
• Trauma-informed and recovery-oriented approach to services.
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively during crises.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time management skills.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate strong boundaries, compassionate detachment, and resiliency.
• undefinedProgram Specific Requirements: Some sites or resident populations may require additional duties, including:Supporting Psychiatric Security Review Board (PSRB) residents in accordance with Conditional Release Plans. Specific tasks may include observed urine drug screens, and curfew check ins.Medication assistance or dispensing consistent with agency policy.Meal preparation and kitchen support at designated sites.Supporting unit turnovers, including basic cleaning tasks.
  Positions Reporting: (Listing of job incumbents reporting into this position): None
  
  Education/Certificates/Licenses/Registration: Must be 18 years of age and capable of implementing the emergency procedures and disaster plan.
  Experience/Qualifications: QMHA credentials preferred.
  
   

All of our job openings are located in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding metro areas.