Residential Advisor - Boston Area Therapeutic Community

Residential Advisor
Gould Farm

Boston Area Programs, Fellside, Medford, MA 

We are looking for someone with a passion for recovery and an unwavering
belief in people’s ability to heal to join our dedicated team at our
Boston Area Program. Our transitional residential program called Fellside
serves as a launchpad for guests as we assist them in setting up their next
chapter post-farm program, including attaining meaningful work, clinical
services, and recreational and wellness-centered activities. As part of a
tiered support approach, Fellside’s Extended Community program provides
ongoing clinical case management to guests throughout their transition.

Supervised by the Clinical/Program Director, and working as part of a
collaborative team, the Residential Advisor (RA) works to support residents
with life skills that foster confidence as they transition towards community
reintegration. The RA works to build on the strengths of program
participants and build community through cooking, arts and crafts, music,
fitness and wellness and recreation activities. The RA promotes the values
and spirit of Gould Farm, actively participates as a member of the
community at meals and other gatherings; maintains open and honest
communications with staff members; and promotes the safety and well-
being of all community members.

Responsibilities include:

Life in the House:
• Organize/lead activities such as potlucks, game nights, art activities,
mindfulness exercises, outings, etc.
• Assist program participants with menu planning, meal preparation, and cleanup;
• Partner with staff regarding food, office/house supply inventory, ordering, and organization.
• Attend to the general appearance of Fellside by tending to indoor and outdoor house cleaning and grounds and partnering with program participants and staff in maintaining a clean, orderly, and safe environment;
• Interface with outside vendors, repair and maintenance professionals as requested by Administrative Staff;
• Participate and contribute to the community in ways that bring out individual talents and strengths;
• Ensure program participants receive optimal quality of care and respect;

Individual Support for Program Participants:
• Support program participants in using their coping skills to support their wellness in person and by phone;
• Support any extended community members on respite stays at Fellside;
• Assist program participants in navigating public transportation systems or in obtaining driving directions; provide transportation in circumstances authorized by on-call staff;
• Provide support and encouragement to program participants with obtaining information from the internet and other resources to support their progress in achieving their goals;
• Provide medication check-ins with program participants as needed;
• Assist program participants looking for volunteer and paid work;
• Introduce visiting Farm Guests to resources and transportation in the area;

Administrative and Other Activities:
• Provide administrative support through updating electronic health record documentation;
• Read and maintain professional documentation of daily interactions with program participants in the log;
• Oversee the program’s monthly “Front Porch” newsletter;
• Be prepared to pitch in to help cover the responsibilities of staff when they are absent and respond to emergencies including the use of on-call support; follow through with crisis plans with on-call staff;
• Uphold policies and guidelines set by Gould Farm and the Boston Area Programs;
• Participate in staff, clinical, residential, and community meetings and training;

Qualifications: We are looking for someone with an interest in the mental
health field, preferably with some experience working in a residential
setting, or human services-related fields. Maturity and excellent written and
verbal communication skillst, and a current driver’s license required.
Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor needed. This is a valuable skill-
building opportunity for a future career in the mental health field. This is a
full-time position, in employer-provided substance-free housing on-site.
Can be negotiable if individual lives locally.

Commitment to Diversity: Gould Farm is an equal opportunity employer;
the organization offers employment, advancement opportunities, and
benefits without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity and/or
expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, marital status, parental
status, physical or mental ability, mental health, age, veteran status,
ancestry, national or ethnic origin, genetics, political beliefs, and any other
basis prohibited by applicable state, federal, or local laws. Candidates who
can contribute to Gould Farm's commitment to diversity are encouraged to
apply.

Compensation: $18.50 to $22.00 per hour based on experience, with a
great benefits package including medical/dental insurance (employer pays
85% of premiums and up to 100% of deductible), life insurance, generous
Paid Time Off (PTO includes 5 weeks of vacation and holidays the first two
years and 6 weeks thereafter), generous sick time accrual, 401K, low-cost
employer-provided housing including utilities, generous food benefit.

If interested, please contact the Human Resources Director at (413)
528-1804 or send a cover letter & resume to hr@gouldfarm.org