Residential Assistant – Hilo, Hawaiʻi at Mental Health Kokua

Hilo, Hawaii, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 Mar, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

18 Dec, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Daily Living Skills, Housing Stability, Independence, Mentorship, Cooking, Personal Care, Communication, Problem-Solving, Social Activities, Recreational Activities, Educational Activities, Vocational Activities, Crisis Response, Documentation, Medication Adherence, Cultural Responsiveness

Industry

Mental Health Care

Description

RESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT – HILO, HAWAIʻI POSITION OVERVIEW The Residential Assistant plays a key role in supporting adults with mental illness who are living in community-based housing in Hilo. As a Residential Assistant, you help residents build daily living skills, maintain housing stability, and move toward greater independence—all within a safe, respectful, recovery-oriented environment. This role is hands-on, relationship-driven, and deeply rooted in community. Residential Assistants work as part of a team to create a home where residents feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged as they navigate recovery at their own pace. BENEFITS OF JOINING MENTAL HEALTH KOKUA * Medical & Vision Insurance (UHA or Kaiser) * Dental Insurance (HDS) * Supplemental Insurance (Aflac) * Pet Insurance * 403(b) Retirement Plan * Identity Theft & Legal Protection Plans * Paid Leave & Holiday Pay * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer WHAT THE RESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT DOES The Residential Assistant serves as a consistent mentor and support to residents, assisting with everyday skills such as cooking, personal care, communication, problem-solving, and navigating relationships with peers. Residential Assistants help maintain a clean, healthy, and safe household, support routines, and model respectful, appropriate behavior within the home and community. Residential Assistants also plan and support social, recreational, educational, and vocational activities that align with residents’ interests and goals. When safety concerns or crises arise, the Residential Assistant responds calmly and according to Mental Health Kokua policies, ensuring incidents are reported and documented accurately. In collaboration with case managers and the treatment team, the Residential Assistant supports residents in working toward service plan goals and documents services provided through timely, accurate clinical notes. As appropriate to the level of care, Residential Assistants observe residents’ self-administration of medication and document adherence per policy. RECOVERY-FOCUSED WORK At its core, the Residential Assistant role is grounded in recovery. Residential Assistants approach residents with dignity and respect, recognizing that recovery is not linear and that growth happens through experience, setbacks, and learning. The Residential Assistant supports residents in building strengths, confidence, and self-direction—without judgment and without rushing the process. Residential Assistants participate in clinical supervision and ongoing training to ensure services remain ethical, culturally responsive, and aligned with evidence-based practices and Mental Health Kokua’s mission. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * High school diploma or equivalent Experience in human services, behavioral health, or working with individuals with serious mental illness is helpful, but not required. What matters most is reliability, compassion, and a genuine desire to support others.

Responsibilities

The Residential Assistant supports residents in building daily living skills and maintaining a safe, healthy household. They also assist in planning and supporting various activities aligned with residents' interests and goals.