Residential Specialist
Company : Services For The Underserved
Location : New York, NY, 10030
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Min
USD $35,000.00/Yr.Max
USD $40,000.00/Yr.Position Overview
S:US is seeking a Residential Specialist for our women's shelter in the Manhattan.
This position is located at New York, NY, 10030
The Residential Specialist is responsible for providing a warm ,compassionate welcome to new shelter residents. You will be tasked with promoting person-centered services, focusing on supporting the independence of the people we serve. You will manage the primary coverage in the building 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year and at times functioning independently using your judgement to guarantee the safety of the people we serve and the building. The ideal candidate will be a person of character with humility ,integrity and can communicate skillfully with empathy and honesty.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct regular scheduled rounds to ensure safety and residents wellbeing.
- Enter activity log information and shift notes in a timely fashion and accurate manner.
- Complete necessary admissions paperwork.
- Assist in escorting residents to services and activities outside of the facility, such as clinics, income maintenance centers and housing referral.
- Meet with Shift Supervisor for individual and group supervision.
- Planning, implementing and/or researching self-care and other social activities for residents conduct Resident Support groups
- Meet with case managers on regular basis to assist in assigned tasks.
- Provide initial orientation to program.
- Provide administrative support in areas of office coverage, telephone and clerical work, food services.
- Understand and follow emergency procedures, including fire drills.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Shift Supervisor and Program Director.
- Attend job related trainings and agency meetings as necessary.
- Provide meal coordination
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate Degree in Human Services or High Diploma or GED with 3+ years’ social service experience.
- Learn and integrate a trauma‐informed, client‐centered approach, using an anti ‐oppressive lens into your work with the people we serve.
- Use neutral and non‐ judgmental language when responding to the needs and requests of the residents.
- Must have ability to be flexible with schedule as needed
- Ability to maintain professional maturity during crisis situation
- Demonstrated sensitivity and experience with and/or knowledge of homelessness, substance misuse and harm reduction, working with the disenfranchised communities including whom identify LGBQT, HIV/AIDs affected, the elderly and individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Effective written and oral communication skill
- Proficiency with computer‐based programs, typing skills
- Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs.
- F80 and F02 certifications
- Basic First Aid
- Naloxone certification
- Valid driver’s license and bi‐lingual communication preferred
- Food Handler license preferred
Benefits Overview: We offer attractive compensation with comprehensive benefits including: Medical/Dental/Prescription/Vision/Life Insurance; 403(b); Credit Union; FSAs; Short-and-Long-Term Disability; Transportation Plan; Generous Paid Vacations and Holidays’
S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Company Overview
S:US IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Join a team of employees who cares about the wellbeing of others. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and development. From health and wellness resources to generous PTO, professional development, and more, explore all that we offer on our Benefits Page and see how S:US invests in you.
We believe in fostering a culture built on our core values: respect, integrity, support, maximizing individual potential and continuous quality improvement.
S:US is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. S:US is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities, including allowance of the use of services animals. To request reasonable accommodation or if you believe such a request was improperly handled or denied, contact the Leave Team at MyMedicalLeave@sus.org.
ID
2025-17383Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Handling constant building coverage demands vigilance and adaptability. A Residential Specialist in NYC must balance proactive rounds, emergency responsiveness, and empathetic resident interactions. Mastery in independent judgment and trauma-informed care is essential to maintain safety and foster trust within a diverse urban shelter environment.
Unlike Residential Therapists who focus on clinical interventions, Residential Specialists prioritize direct support and safety monitoring within residential settings. Compared to Housing Specialists who concentrate on placement and referrals, Residential Specialists manage onsite resident well-being, conduct support groups, and coordinate daily activities, blending administrative and hands-on care.
Certifications such as naloxone administration, basic first aid, and food handler licenses are highly regarded. Furthermore, credentials like F80 and F02 demonstrate specialized knowledge. Possessing a valid driver’s license and bilingual communication skills also boost employability in NYC’s diverse communities.
The offered salary range aligns with entry to mid-level Residential Specialist roles in NYC’s social service sector. Given the comprehensive benefits package and cost of living in Manhattan, this compensation reflects a balanced approach, especially when factoring in the role’s demanding 24/7 coverage and specialized skill requirements.
At s:us, there’s a strong emphasis on integrity, respect, and maximizing individual potential. The culture fosters continuous quality improvement and values humility and empathy, creating a supportive environment for staff managing vulnerable populations in an urban shelter setting.
s:us trains Residential Specialists to apply anti-oppressive, client-centered approaches that prioritize non-judgmental communication and sensitivity to trauma. This foundation ensures staff can effectively support residents facing homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health challenges within a compassionate framework.
Given Manhattan’s traffic and public transit density, proximity to subway lines such as the 6 train or bus routes is crucial. Flexible scheduling could alleviate peak-hour stress, but candidates should anticipate variable shifts including nights and weekends in a high-demand urban environment.
Demand for Residential Specialists in NYC remains strong due to ongoing homelessness and social service needs. Candidates with bilingual skills, trauma-informed experience, and certifications like naloxone administration have competitive advantages amid increasing emphasis on inclusive, community-centered care.
Success hinges on empathy-driven communication, crisis management, and administrative precision. Unlike broader community specialists, Residential Specialists must excel in 24/7 onsite oversight, safety protocol adherence, and fostering independence among shelter residents, often under high-pressure urban conditions.
Opting for a Residential Specialist role offers direct engagement with residents and frontline impact, focusing on hands-on support rather than managerial duties. It suits those seeking a balance of administrative and interpersonal tasks within a dynamic urban shelter environment without the broader responsibilities of coordination or management.