Thistle Farms

Residential Support Specialist

Thistle Farms

Apply

Job Summary

Department: Residential

Reports to: Assistant Director of Residential

Pay Grade: 12-NE Coordinator/Entry Level Support

Pay Range: $19.60 – $23.52

 

Job Summary:  

The Residential Support Specialist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and healing environment for women in the Thistle Farms Residential Program. This position provides consistent afternoon, evening, and weekend support, ensuring residents are cared for outside of standard business hours.

Working closely with the residential team, the Support Specialist helps residents navigate daily routines, provides transportation to essential meetings and events, and ensures that house operations run smoothly. The ideal candidate will bring a calm and compassionate presence, model trauma-informed care, and maintain professional boundaries while building trust with residents. This role is essential to fostering community, reinforcing accountability, and supporting each woman’s path to recovery and independence.

Job Responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

None

 

Duties/Responsibilities:  

Household Operations & Inventory

  • Conduct monthly inventory of household and personal care supplies; restock items as needed.
  • Coordinate and complete weekly shopping for residential house needs, including groceries, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of purchases and receipts to support budgeting and reconciliation.

Resident Transportation

  • Safely transport residents to and from recovery meetings, medical appointments, job readiness programs, and Thistle Farms events.
  • Support scheduling and route planning for group transportation needs.
  • Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report any vehicle maintenance or safety concerns.

Resident Engagement and Support

  • Provide consistent, compassionate presence during evening, weekend, and holiday shifts to promote a safe, stable environment.
  • Support residents in daily living activities, such as preparing meals, managing household responsibilities, and navigating conflict.
  • Serve as an initial point of contact for emergent resident needs, escalating concerns to case coordinators or on-call leadership as appropriate.

Communication & Documentation

  • Maintain accurate and timely shift documentation, including daily shift reports and behavior or incident notes, via email and shared reporting systems.
  • Communicate effectively with the Residential Team, relaying observations, concerns, and follow-up needs.
  • Participate in regular staff meetings and training to stay informed of policy changes and best practices.

Resident Transitions and Intake

  • Assist with welcoming new residents, including preparing rooms, giving orientation tours, and providing initial emotional support.
  • Support transitions out of the program, including organizing belongings, saying goodbyes, and offering stability during departures.

Safety and Compliance

  • Administer drug and alcohol screenings as directed, following trauma-informed protocols.
  • Monitor residents’ well-being and de-escalate potential conflicts using nonviolent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
  • Uphold house rules, boundaries, and confidentiality expectations in alignment with Thistle Farms policies.

Community Building

  • Encourage a sense of community and mutual respect among residents through relational engagement and presence during shared meals, group activities, and informal check-ins.
  • Promote participation in Thistle Farms community events and support resident involvement in volunteer and educational opportunities.

Other Duties as Assigned

  • Provide support to the Residential Team and leadership with special projects or events.
  • Step in to cover shifts when needed due to staffing gaps or emergencies.

 

Qualifications

Required Skills/Qualifications:   

  • Positive attitude using a strength-based approach
  • Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
  • Ability to successfully function under pressure in critical situations
  • Patience and appreciation of working with women survivors in a trauma-informed work environment
  • Committed to Thistle Farms mission, purpose, and values

 

 

Physical Requirements:  

  • Ability to drive a company vehicle safely and maintain a valid driver’s license.
  • Ability to move about the residential facility and assist with household tasks (e.g., cleaning, lifting small furniture items, stocking supplies).
  • Ability to ascend and descend stairs multiple times per shift, including in emergency situations.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
  • Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in crisis or emergency situations, which may require standing, walking, or assisting residents physically.
  • Ability to work in a shared living environment, including exposure to varying noise levels and resident interactions throughout a shift.
  • Ability to sit at a desk for long periods of time.

 

 

Additional Information

Benefits

  • Contributory medical, dental and vision plans/ 401k
  • Paid Days Off (you will be entitled to paid time off in accordance with the Company’s vacation policy)
  • Typically 10 paid holidays per year and closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, subject to change annually.

How to Apply

Careers & Internships – Thistle Farms

Details

  • Date Posted: May 13, 2025
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
  • Service Area: Social / Human Services
  • Working Hours: Sunday-Thursday 2pm-10pm