A Residential Assistant or Advisor works in a residential mental health, long-term care, or substance abuse treatment facility and provides support for patients, including resolving conflicts, helping them adjust to their environment, and alleviating concerns. Performs inspections and assists with move-ins and facility programming.
Join a dynamic Community-Based Crisis Support initiative under Virginia Department of Behavioral Health Residential Services, providing short-term stabilization to adults experiencing mental health crises. As a Residential Aide, you'll support daily living, crisis prevention, therapeutic skill-building, and community integration in collaboration with licensed clinicians and community liaisons.
Key Responsibilities Daily Living Support:
Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs/IADLs), meal prep, hygiene, medication reminders, and household routines to foster independence.
Crisis Intervention & Monitoring:
Perform regular safety checks, identify signs of psychiatric decompensation, and apply de-escalation protocols to maintain a safe living environment.
Documentation & Compliance:
Maintain accurate records of resident progress, incident reports, and daily interactions consistent with Medicaid Waiver and DBHDS guidelines (supported living services). Qualifications Experience guiding individuals with mental health conditions or substance use challenges in community-based settings. Training in trauma-informed care, crisis response, and de-escalation techniques. Comfortable working shifts that include nights and weekends in a residential model (up to 24-hour coverage). Ability to coordinate effectively with public systems (Housing Resource Center, Continuum of Care, Social Services) to support housing stability and client advocacy needs. Required Qualifications Must complete criminal background check, FBI fingerprinting, and child protective services registry checks as required under Virginia Code § 37.2‑416.1 and 6VAC35‑41‑180 for direct care roles. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to maintain client confidentiality, HIPAA compliance and ability to foster safe, therapeutic environments Why This Role Matters Help individuals avoid hospitalization or homelessness through structured support and stabilization. Provide skill-building that empowers residents to practice adaptive coping, social integration, and self-care. Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to challenge systemic barriers and promote client-centered recovery. Professional Development & Support Training includes CPR/First Aid/TOVA, medication support, trauma-informed care, and behavioral skill-building models. You will receive regular supervision, team-based case review, and an after-hours backup support system for emergent scenarios.
