About Mainspring Recovery

Mainspring Recovery is a mission-driven behavioral health organization built on the belief that healing happens when the right people are in the room. We provide care across multiple levels, including Residential, Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient (IOP), supporting individuals and families throughout the recovery process.

Every role at Mainspring, clinical and non-clinical alike, contributes to creating safe, structured, and effective environments where people can rebuild their lives. We invest in strong teams, clear systems, and thoughtful leadership, believing meaningful impact comes from doing the work well, supporting one another, and holding ourselves to high standards across the organization.

Job Title:

Residential Aide

Reports To:
Rudy Carey III, Director of Residential Aide Services, Laqueena Herring, Residential Aide Manager

Department:
Residential

Location:

On-site, Dumfries, VA, Triangle, VA

Employment Type:
Full-time, Non Exempt

Job Summary

The Residential Aide plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, structured, and supportive environment for clients in a residential addiction recovery setting. This position involves continuous client care, supervision, and role modeling, with responsibilities increasing progressively through the R.I.S.E. (Raising Initiative Skills for Elevation) Program. The Residential Aide is responsible for monitoring the therapeutic milieu and client activities, responding to client crises and emergencies as needed, and transporting clients to outside activities, evening AA meetings, and appointments as needed. This position requires the individual to possess good communication skills and boundaries within the scope and setting of the therapeutic community. This position assures a safe and drug-free environment and provides life skills and self-help group education.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure client well-being and safety by providing a structured, positive, and supportive environment.
• Act as a resource for new clients, facilitating their integration into the program.
• Participate actively as a member of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and strong boundaries with clients at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 guidelines.
• Document activities, observations, and client behaviors accurately and timely in the Kipu system.
• Assist with admissions, including body searches, personal property checks, and completing inventory checklists.
• Ensure regular safety rounds and adherence to supervision intervals.
• Assist in promoting life skills and discharge planning.
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Residential Aide R.I.S.E. Program Overview:

The Residential Aide R.I.S.E. (Raising Initiative Skills for Elevation) Program at Mainspring Recovery is a comprehensive career development initiative designed to strengthen the skills, responsibilities, and leadership capabilities of Residential Aides through three progressive levels. This program aims to develop effective leaders and maintain the efficient operation of Mainspring Recovery's facilities by providing structured training, regular evaluations, and incremental pay increases.

R.I.S.E. Program Levels:

Residential Aide Level I (0-3 months):

• Complete all Med Trainer courses.
• Conduct headcounts and shift reports during assigned shifts.
• Assist intake nurses with client admissions, including body searches and property searches.
• Serve meals and handle equipment, such as assembling/disassembling the fountain drink machine.
• Maintain stable attendance and demonstrate reliability.
• Meet all Level I competencies and maintain a clean attendance record for progression.

Residential Aide Level II (3 months - 1 year):

• Complete MANDT training, including verbal and paraverbal de-escalation techniques.
• Facilitate client group activities and orientation sessions for new clients.
• Mentor Level I Residential Aides.
• Perform advanced documentation of behavioral interventions in Kipu.
• Demonstrate interdepartmental communication skills and assist in crisis interventions.

Residential Aide Level III (1+ year): 

• Demonstrate leadership by supervising and supporting Level I and II Residential Aides.
• Facilitate NA/AA group meetings and assign tasks during shifts.
• Ensure operational continuity by collaborating with all departments.
• Conduct evaluations in coordination with managers and directors to promote positive work ethics.

Minimum Qualifications

Education / Credentials

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Current valid driver’s license and insurability.
• CPR and MANDT certification within 90 days of hire (training provided).

Experience

• Minimum one year of experience in a behavioral healthcare or addiction recovery setting.
• Familiarity with addiction treatment and the recovery process is preferred.

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to empathize with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHR/EMR systems (e.g., Kipu).
• Crisis de-escalation and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and a collaborative work environment.

Working Conditions

• Direct care position
• Full-time, 32-40 hours per week, 8:00am-04:30pm or 4:00pm-12:30am, weekdays and/or weekends vary based on shifts available - inquire to learn more about future schedules, some holidays

Why This Role Matters

Pre-Employment Requirements

Mainspring conducts, as required, job-related background checks, drug testing, TB testing, verification of employment history, and/or reference checks prior to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mainspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

EEO is the Law:
http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf