RESIDENTIAL CARE ASSISTANT

SUMMARY:

The Residential Care Assistant is responsible for teaching life skills and providing guidance to residents of state-operated programs. This position is governed by state and federal laws and institution policy.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides and instructs residents in living skills such as personal hygiene, housekeeping procedures, financial management, and individual counseling.

Ensures a clean, safe, and secure environment conducive to behavioral changes based on program rules and regulations.

Assists case manager in writing individualized plans for residents, planning, monitoring, and developing progress reports.

Observes residents to monitor activities and behavior, counsels residents to reinforce positive behaviors, and promotes social interaction.

Maintains and compiles daily evaluations of behavioral reports by noting residents’ actions, medical problems, and disciplinary and rules violations.

Organizes, arranges, and escorts residents on recreational activity trips, and conducts drills and physical training.

Participates in the inspection of the living unit for fire, safety, and maintenance purposes.

Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of institution residential services, rules, and regulations. Ability to oversee and direct residents of state institutions. Ability to observe residents and write detailed reports regarding residents’ behavior and progress. Ability to advise and counsel residents. Ability to perform general housekeeping duties.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma; plus the successful completion of required in-house training.

Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.

OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.