What are the responsibilities and job description for the LCS - Resident Assistant (Full-Time) position at Union Gospel Mission of the Inland Northwest?
UGM is excited to welcome you to apply to join the team at our new Lewiston Shelter. As we are in the process of completing the building in order to "move in" and open for services we anticipate our hiring process to follow a bit of a different schedule for interviewing, hiring, training, etc. than normal. We will conduct initial interviews via Zoom starting August 4th and running through August 22nd. From the date of the initial interview through August 29th we will decide who we will be passing along for a second interview and checking their references, etc. Second interviews will be scheduled to take place in Lewiston between August 25 - September 5th. Decisions on hiring will be made and offers sent out to qualified candidates between September 15 th-26th. Position will start with onboarding on Monday, October 6, 2025.
- All employees will be required to attend 3 days of training in Spokane/Coeur d'Alene October 13th/14th/15th (accommodations, travel, and meals will be provided).
Job Title: Resident Assistant
Location: LC Valley Shelter
Reports To: Client Services Manager
Date Revised: July 2025
Ministry Requirement
UGM considers every position one of ministry and a vital and valued part of our team. Therefore, it is essential that all employees of UGM have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and subscribe to our Statement of Faith and Core Values. Additionally, employees must be willing to lead and/or participate in Bible study, prayer, devotions and sharing the Gospel.
Summary of Position
The Resident Assistant (RA) supports shelter operations by ensuring the safety, structure, and spiritual tone of the LC Valley Shelter. This role provides oversight of facility safety, supervises volunteers and clients, supports intake and exit processes, and fosters a Christ-centered, healing environment. The RA reports directly to the Client Services Manager and works collaboratively with all shelter departments to carry out Union Gospel Mission’s mission to love, serve, and transform lives through Christ.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key Result Area #1: Client Services and Shelter Operations
- Assist with client check-ins, intakes, exits, and room assignments in accordance with shelter procedures.
- Provide ongoing oversight and accountability for client behavior, adhering to UGM policies.
- Administer and document urinalysis (UA) and breathalyzer (BA) tests.
- Distribute and observe medications and over-the-counter items checked in by clients.
- Respond to client inquiries and crises with compassion, discernment, and clear communication.
- Perform regular security checks and monitor camera systems for safety.
- Maintain and restock supplies; submit Requests for Maintenance (RFMs) as needed.
- Ensure client needs are being met and communicate needs clearly to the Client Services Manager.
- Maintain accurate and timely shift reports, client files, and communication logs using UGM systems (e.g., Waypoint, Microsoft Teams).
- Participate in shift debriefs and ensure vital information is passed to the oncoming team.
- Collaborate with other staff during transitions and emergency situations.
- Attend required staff meetings, site trainings, and participate in UGM-wide initiatives including Outcome-Based Management.
Key Result Area #2: Volunteer and Client Engagement
- Provide guidance and support to volunteers serving in the shelter during shifts.
- Communicate volunteer concerns to appropriate supervisors.
- Support and Assist Client Service Manager in equipping and training volunteers.
- Lead and/or participate in devotions, prayer, Bible studies, and spiritual conversations with residents and volunteers.
- Support clients in their spiritual and personal growth, in collaboration with shelter team
Key Result Area #3: Safety and Emergency Response
- Monitor resident and visitor activity and follow protocols for pass requests, exceptions, and security enforcement.
- Lead evacuations and safety responses in case of emergencies.
- Confiscate and report contraband and ensure a secure environment.
Other Duties:
This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. Employees are expected to be flexible and may be required to perform other duties as needed to support the mission of Union Gospel Mission and the operations of the LC Valley Shelter.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Committed Christian, able, and willing to model servant-leadership and interested in being part of a ministry for the poor, homeless, drug addicted and mentally ill. Grounded in the Christian faith as a mature, active member of the body of Christ. In accordance with Union Gospel Mission Statement of Purpose, Statement of Vision, and Statement of Faith.
- Strong interpersonal skills; capable of exercising discernment and compassion towards others.
- Computer literate (Office 365,Word, Excel, Outlook, Web-browser, Waypoint, UKG HR); able to complete documents, reports and accurately record information.
- Excellent communication skills: written, verbal and instructional.
- Teachable, flexible, and able to stay calm in high-stress situations.
- Minimum three years of sobriety, if in recovery.
- Valid Washington or Idaho driver’s license– required.
- CPR/First Aid certification – required.
- Yearly TB clearance – required.
- Criminal background check clearance – required.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL FACTORS:
Occasionally = 1%-33%; Frequently = 34%-66%; Continuously = 67%-100%
- Work is primarily indoors and may require climbing three flights of stairs, sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and going from building to building - continuously.
- Requires working with a diverse population, many of whom struggle with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness – continuously.
- Requires a sustained level of high energy, stamina, and the ability to move about all of the facilities on a regular and ongoing basis – frequently.
- Requires the ability to hear, see, and speak clearly – continuously.
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED:
- Computer skills; Microsoft Office 365, Excel, Word and Outlook, Web-Browser, UKG HR, and Waypoint.
- Security equipment.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma/GED.
- Preferable two years’ experience working with low-income and homeless people.
- Knowledge of chemical dependency addictions and process addictions.
- Ability to recognize active use and misuse of legal or illicit substances.
REQUIREMENTS:
Union Gospel Mission is a privately funded 501 (c)3 non-profit, evangelical Christian ministry. Our designated purpose is religious and we are a Christ-centered ministry which is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and helping the homeless and impoverished. We consider every position to be essential in the fulfillment of our ministry and Statement of Purpose. As such,
each employee must have a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. All employees must:
- Be able and willing to share the Gospel and participate in all of the ministry activities of Union Gospel Mission.
- Subscribe to Union Gospel Mission Statement of Faith and Statement of Purpose upon hire and continuously while employed.
- Adhere to Union Gospel Mission Employee Handbook.
Summary of Benefits
- Two hundred and eight hours paid time off per year to include 6 major holidays. (160 hours of PTO for Full-Time)
- Employees (and their families) have availability of medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Long Term Disability.
- FSA available first of the year following 1 year anniversary.
- 403(b) plan, with company matching after 1 year (see Retirement Package for further details)