Transitional Living Program Resident Assistant (part-time, live-in)

All homelessness is tragic, but homeless LGBTQ youth are in deep and immediate peril. 40 percent of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ. Of these youths, 68% say that family rejection of their sexual orientation or gender identity is a major cause of their homelessness. Many fear seeking help from programs that are not affirming and tailored to their needs.

Trinity Haven will offer safe, welcoming, affirming housing for LGBTQ youth/young adults. Trinity Haven will provide each resident housing and services to prepare them for independent living, as they work alongside a case manager to build an individualized plan that leads to their independence. Support services will focus on education, employment, well-being and self-sufficiency and are designed to create an atmosphere of acceptance, community and belonging. At Trinity Haven, residents will find a safe harbor and professional staff that are warm, welcoming, and affirming. Our hope is that no LGBTQ youth in Indianapolis has to spend the night on a park bench or under a bridge ever again.

The goal of Trinity Haven is to intervene before youth experience chronic homelessness, and to help them pursue their educational goals and develop independent living skills to thrive in the world. We strive to do that in a safe and nurturing environment through a social justice lens (focus on equity through access, agency, advocacy and solidarity action). Through such service, Trinity Haven seeks to support youth and young adults while they define their experiences, life dreams and futures. Our work takes into account historical trauma, systems of oppression and intersectionality while being grounded in the power of resiliency, healing and community.

Trinity Haven will have two housing options for LGBTQ youth and young adults available in the near future. We will provide programs and services that include a long-term Transitional Living Program (TLP) which offers up to 24 months of housing, stabilization assistance, support services, independent living skills, case management, and care coordination for ages 18-21 (for the entire state of Indiana); as well as a short-term Host Homes Program (HHP) which offers an average of 6 months of housing and intensive case management for ages 16-24 (limited to Indianapolis/Marion County). Our case managers will assist with permanent housing placement for those exiting our TLP and HHP.

We’re building our dream team right now! We are looking for folks who are dedicated not only to ending youth homelessness, racism and oppression but also celebrating every LGBTQ human for exactly who they are. Our team will work together to support each other, the residents of our housing programs and the greater LGBTQ community to create brave space, lift each other up, lean into hard conversations, offer patience, acceptance and grace while being incredibly effective in their respective roles in order to effect change at every turn.

Our Transitional Living Program is a housing option in which up to eight LGBTQ youth choose to live in a shared house that offers community, activities, and staff support. The TLP Resident Assistant is a part-time, live-in position. In exchange for room and board, the TLP Resident Assistant remains on-site and on call for two 24-hour periods each week. The Resident Assistant attends to safety and security; responds to any emergencies; and helps foster community. This position reports to Trinity Haven’s TLP House Director and involves a high level of responsibility and accountability.

·       Uphold Trinity Haven’s mission, vision, values, strategic objectives and program philosophy.

·       Report to and work collaboratively with the TLP House Director.

·       Co-create community with and for residents, with a focus on youth choice, youth voice and self-determination.

·       Work collaboratively with supplemental hourly staff.

·       When on call, provide house orientation for new residents when needed.

·       When on call, serve as primary responder to any emergencies.

·       Know and abide by all house policies and help ensure that house policies are being followed by residents.

·       Establish a professional, supportive relationship with each resident and serve as a role model and resource.

·       Assist the House Director in fostering community among the residents.

·       When on call, facilitate resolution of disagreements among residents.

·       When on call, be attentive to house safety and perform evening security checks of house perimeter and common areas.

·       Perform regular property checks and report any maintenance or repair needs to the Executive Director.

·       Help maintain a clean, pleasant, and safe living environment.

·       Together with House Director, turn over rooms for new residents and conduct quarterly safety checks in accordance with house policy.

·       Serve as a positive representative of Trinity Haven in the community.

This live-in position will require you to remain on-site and on call for two 24-hour periods each week. You may pursue freelance or other work on the grounds, provided this work does not interfere with your Trinity Haven duties and that you do not bring clients or customers into the house. When you are not actively working, you are free to relax, sleep, or pursue other interests (work, school, etc.), but you must be available to handle emergencies if they arise when you are on-site.

·       Daily functions of the program operate efficiently and safely in order for the basic needs of the youth to be met.

·       House residents and staff clearly understand the program values and expectations.

·       Resident Assistant uses the following principles: trauma-responsive, healing-centered, harm-reduction, trusting relationships, strengths-based, journey-oriented, collaborative, non-judgmental, Positive Youth Development, using a holistic approach. Principles exist within an anti-oppression and social justice commitment.

·       Youth feel supported and are connected to resources.

·       Youth have a voice in the program and an opportunity to contribute.

·       Youth have a stronger sense of community, as defined by them.

·       Youth experience improvement in their physical and psychological safety; well-being; protective factors relating to trauma; number of healthy permanent connections, and self-sufficiency.

·       Youth have stable housing options upon leaving the program, whether to live with family/kin/community or other desired housing.

·       The Resident Assistant recognizes and honors youth's growth, transitions, and journey.

·       Timely and accurate data tracking and compilation.

·       Timely preparation and submission of reports.

You appreciate the opportunity of a live-in position and have strong relational, leadership, and organizational skills, along with a deep commitment to Trinity Haven’s mission, vision, and values. You must be willing to work independently as well as in collaborative teams. You will need to work non-traditional hours and will need to have access to reliable transportation. A sense of humor, innovative spirit, and willingness to adapt to the change inherent in a rapidly scaling start-up are essential.

High school diploma/equivalency required. Two+ years' experience working in a residential facility desired. Life or work experience in principles-based youth work, home or property management, and leadership are desired. Experience with and commitment to radical hospitality, community building, and restorative justice preferred. Understanding of power, privilege, and systems of oppression preferred. Must be at least 25 years of age.

·       Strong investment in the local LGBTQ community and in the fight for racial and economic justice.

·       Emotional intelligence, including healthy personal boundaries.

·       Demonstrated interest and experience in building community.

·       Skills relating to hospitality and inclusivity.

·       A self-motivated, flexible, and hard-working approach.

·       Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

·       Basic ability in Word, Excel, Outlook or willingness to learn.

·       Willingness to live on site.

A valid Indiana driver’s license and a satisfactory MVR is required for this position. A clear DCS history, and clear criminal and sex offender background checks are required. E-Verify is required. CPR and First Aid certification are required and training in bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions is required (will be provided if not current).

Disclaimer:

This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at-will.” The job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate individuals who are qualified and differently-abled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.

Salary: Room and board valued at $14,220. Optional paid opportunities available for holiday and additional shift coverage as needed.

Room and Board: Trinity Haven will provide a fully furnished single-occupancy, private bedroom; full private bath; utilities; Wi-Fi; private parking lot; and groceries/meals. Some assistance is available for costs associated with breaking current rental agreements and moving.

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter at trinityhavenindy@gmail.com by February 17, 2021. In the cover letter, please address the following:

·       Why do you want to work for Trinity Haven?

·       Please share 2-3 experiences that highlight why you would be a strong candidate for the Transitional Living Program Resident Assistant position.

No faxes or phone calls please. Applicants will be notified regarding whether or not they have been selected for an interview. Applications without cover letters will not be processed.