Lead Residential Care Specialist- Lead

The Salvation Army Midland Division Family Haven Shelter located in St. Louis, Missouri, is looking for a Residential Care Specialist. The Lead Residential Care Specialist is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the shelter program, ensuring a safe and structured environment for all residents. This position involves client interaction, administrative duties, facility monitoring, and active participation in the overall success of the program.

This is a full-time position, 40 hours per week, with starting pay of $18.50 hourly.

10740 West Page Ave, St. Louis, Missouri.

Essential Functions

1. Client Intake & Administrative Support

• Complete intake interviews for new clients, including bed assignment and distribution of bed linens.
• Provide supportive and welcoming guidance to all new residents by clearly reviewing program guidelines, policies, and procedures, including going over the client handbook together to ensure understanding and empowerment from the start.
• Discuss and explain the case management process required for all shelter clients.

1. Shift Leadership & Staff Support

• Provide guidance, coaching, and on the job training to new and existing Residential Care Specialist to ensure high quality resident support and adherence to program standards.
• Serve as a point of contact for staff during shifts, offering direction, problem solving support, and consistent leadership.
• Model effective resident engagement practices, including strength-based communication, conflict de-escalation, and trauma informed approached.
• Oversee daily shift operations to ensure safety, organization, and timely completion of required tasks and documentation.
• Assist in developing staff skills, by offering constructive feedback, mentoring opportunities, and on going support for professional growth.
• Coordinate with supervisors to identify training needs and help implement staff development initiatives.
• Help maintain a positive and collaborative team environment that supports resident success and staff well being.
• Responsible for covering any vacant shift as needed

1. Client Guiding & Safety

• Supporting clients in practicing positive behavior and activities to maintain safety and order within the facility and on surrounding grounds.
• Conduct and document hourly bed checks on all shifts to ensure client safety and compliance.
• Enforce resident rules and policies in a fair and consistent manner.

1. Data & Record Keeping

• Accurately complete data entry and maintain up-to-date client records.
• Maintain the shelter journal/log by recording shift incidents and reviewing previous entries.

• Ensure intakes are documented in the Data base systems used by the shelter with guidelines given by supervisor.
• Ensure intake documentation is completely accurately and transitioned to the case manager timely.
• Follow up with Residential Care specialist about any reportable incidents and document all incidents.
• Maintain Incident report binder,

1. Facility & Operational Duties

• Record attendance at house meetings and maintain an updated client roster.
• Assign and coach resident through completing chores; provide support and training as needed for chores.
• Help maintain cleanliness and order in office and shared spaces.

1. Team Collaboration & Communication

• Attend and participate in team meetings, staff trainings, and organizational events (including fundraising and special events).
• Complete all assigned trainings in a timely manner.
• Foster a positive and respectful work environment through professional and courteous communication with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Resolve conflicts in a professional manner and demonstrate respect for others' property and personal space.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent diploma with two years' experience working in a Social Service agency or three years residential experience without a diploma. Higher education in psychology, social work, criminal justice or other related field is a plus. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check, must obtain a class E driver's license within the first 30 days of hire. Must be a team player, a self-starter, and perform well with minimum supervision. Good communication skills are essential, as well as an ability to work with diverse and challenging personalities are essential. Strong computer skills required, including the ability to efficiently use standard office software, manage electronic records, and navigate digital communication tools.

Physical and Working Conditions

Must be capable of performing the above essential duties an office environment to include using a computer, answering phones, etc. Most work will be indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.