Careers

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: $26.77
• Healthcare: 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 clearly, professionally, and effectively (verbally and in writing).
• Accurately observes and documents resident behaviors/activities, ensures strict compliance with security protocols/procedures, and maintains precise, timely records and reporting.
• Quickly learns and proficiently operates facility technology; stays organized, prioritizes tasks, and manages multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Works collaboratively and professionally with all staff.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Pass a comprehensive pre-employment process.
• Valid Driver's License with a favorable driving record.

Availability & Shifts

NWRRC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Candidates must be available for any shift and any day of the week. Schedules are designed to be consistent with consecutive days off for work-life balance (preferences based on seniority and operational needs).

Shifts include:

• Day: 7:00am–3:00pm
• Swing: 3:00pm–11:00pm
• Graveyard: 11:00pm–7:00am

Physical Demands:

Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, including navigating stairs and uneven surfaces. Requires the ability to respond quickly to incidents and maintain situational awareness. Must have sufficient strength and dexterity to conduct searches and operate security and monitoring equipment. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach overhead. Vision and hearing must be adequate to monitor residents, detect potential security risks, and respond to alarms or emergencies. Must be capable of performing First Aid, CPR, and AED procedures in emergency situations. Requires manual dexterity to effectively operate various technologies, including automated resident tracking systems and communication devices.

Why Join Us?

Joining NWRRC means playing a key role in supporting individuals making significant life changes. You'll make a tangible impact on residents' successful reintegration while working in a professional, supportive, mission-driven environment that prioritizes both accountability and compassion.

NWRRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.