Since 1964, the Northwest Regional Re-Entry Center (NWRRC) has been a nonprofit leader in structured reentry services, operating a 150-bed co-ed residential center in Portland, Oregon. We support, educate, and encourage justice-involved residents as they transition back to the community with improved life skills, accountability, and safety for all.As a Resident Support Specialist (RSS), you will provide direct, on-the-floor support to residents at a secure facility, with primary emphasis on adults living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. These residents have not yet established or reestablished the ability to fully aid and assist in their legal defense due or comply with probationary conditions. This role is also designed to support residents in various justice-involved programs. You will plan, design, and facilitate recreational programs, life skills activities, and events to promote mental, emotional, and physical wellness; assist residents in managing their conditions and compliance with treatment orders; provide help with activities of daily living, and dispense medications; and serve as partner to security staff by contributing to safety, incident response, searches, headcounts, intake processing, and proactive de-escalation. Key Responsibilities:Motivates and encourages residents with severe and persistent mental illnesses; models positive behaviors, appropriate life skills, and healthy professional boundaries. Plans, designs, develops, coordinates, and facilitates individual and group recreational programs, life skills activities, and events to promote mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Provides one-on-one assistance with activities including personal hygiene, sanitation responsibilities, and compliance with community treatment orders, facility rules, and procedures. Dispenses medications in accordance with established protocols and assists residents in overcoming barriers to care (e.g., accessing benefits, documents, medical/psychiatric services, and chemical dependency treatment). Delivers legal skills training (individually or in groups) to residents under Aid & Assist orders to support competency restoration and ability to aid and assist in their legal defense. Observes, monitors, and documents resident behavior; proactively de-escalates challenging, aggressive, or destructive behaviors using trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and crisis intervention techniques to maintain a safe and secure environment. Remains mobile and actively circulates throughout the facility the majority of the time, engaging directly with residents. Builds therapeutic rapport with residents and keeps State Case Managers informed of resident progress, needs, and engagement. Conducts new resident arrival intakes and departing resident releases. Serves as a partner to security staff in safety and security functions including incident response, resident searches, headcounts, and resident accountability. Maintains accurate, timely documentation; participates in team meetings; and communicates professionally and effectively with facility staff, community providers, courts, family members, attorneys, and other stakeholders as directed. Monitors program, activity, and resident supply inventory; orders supplies to meet operational and resident needs. Performs other duties as assigned to support facility operations and resident success.Compensation & Benefits (for Full-Time Employees)Starting Hourly Rate: $27.44Healthcare: 100% employer-covered medical, vision, dental premiums for employees; 50% for spouse/dependents (includes life/AD&D/long-term disability).PTO/Vacation: Up to 24 days annually.Sick Time: Up to 12 days annually.Retirement: SEP-IRA with 7% employer contribution (after 1 year).Tuition Assistance: Up to 50% for related degrees/certificates (after 6 months).Fitness Stipend: Up to $50/month.Free Meals: Complimentary cafeteria meals daily.Qualifications:Education: A minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Preference is for an advanced degree in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, Human Services, Behavioral Science, or other closely related field. QMHA preferred. Experience: Prior experience in residential living, mental health, behavioral health, social services, or other closely related fields is preferred.Key Competencies:Maintains constant vigilance, quickly assesses dynamic situations, and adapts effectively in a fast-paced environment to ensure safety. Effectively de-escalates conflicts, manages challenging behaviors, responds to interpersonal crises, and applies trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.Communicates clearl