About this role
Mental Health Kokua (MHK) is hiring a Part-Time Residential Assistant (32 hours per week) in Hilo, Hawaiʻi to support adults experiencing mental health challenges in a community-based residential setting. This rewarding role focuses on helping residents build daily living skills, strengthen independence, and maintain a safe, supportive home environment while working toward their recovery goals.
As a Residential Assistant, you'll provide hands-on support, encourage personal growth, and help create a welcoming environment where individuals can thrive. This position is ideal for compassionate professionals in Hilo and surrounding East Hawaiʻi communities who enjoy relationship-based work and making a meaningful difference through recovery-oriented services.
What You'll Do (Responsibilities)
* Daily Living Support: Assist residents with communication, budgeting, personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, and household routines that promote independence. * Recovery-Oriented Support: Encourage resident goals using person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed practices that support long-term recovery. * Program Activities: Support recreational, educational, vocational, and community activities that promote wellness, social connection, and independent living. * Safety & Crisis Response: Help maintain a safe residential environment, respond appropriately to emergencies or crises, and document incidents as required. * Household Operations: Assist with shopping, meal planning, housekeeping, and maintaining a clean, organized, and welcoming home. * Documentation & Team Collaboration: Complete timely documentation and communicate effectively with supervisors, case managers, and other team members to ensure quality care.
Residential Assistant Qualifications
* Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent. * Preferred: Experience, education, or coursework in behavioral health, mental health, human services, social services, or a related field. * Skills: Strong communication, reliability, compassion, problem-solving, and the ability to build positive, supportive relationships. * Certifications: Current TB clearance, CPR, and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain). * Fit for the Role: Comfortable supporting adults with mental health challenges in a community-based residential setting while promoting recovery, stability, and independence.
Requirements & Work Conditions
* Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug/alcohol screening. * Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and respond appropriately to emergencies. * Ability to perform the physical demands of a community-based residential support position.
Benefits of Joining MHK
* Medical & Vision Insurance (UHA or Kaiser) * Dental Insurance (HDS) * Supplemental Insurance (Aflac) * Pet Insurance * 403(b) Retirement Plan * Identity Theft & Legal Protection * Paid Leave & Holiday Pay * Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
Why Choose Mental Health Kokua?
At Mental Health Kokua, we believe in "Opportunities to Begin Again." Your work helps individuals build confidence, strengthen recovery, and create meaningful lives within their community.
Every day, you'll help create a safe place where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to move forward. If you're looking for a meaningful part-time opportunity to make a difference in Hilo, we'd love to have you on our team. Apply today!