Residential Support

Term from Disability Services industry explained for recruiters

Residential Support refers to services that help people with disabilities live as independently as possible in their homes or group homes. Support workers assist with daily activities, personal care, medication management, and community participation. This role is essential in helping individuals maintain their quality of life while living in residential settings. Similar terms include direct support professional, disability support worker, or in-home support worker. These roles focus on providing hands-on assistance and emotional support to help residents achieve their personal goals and maintain their independence.

Examples in Resumes

Provided Residential Support for 5 clients with intellectual disabilities in a group home setting

Managed medication schedules and daily routines as a Residential Support Worker

Led community integration activities as part of Residential Support Services

Typical job title: "Residential Support Workers"

Also try searching for:

Direct Support Professional Disability Support Worker Residential Care Worker Group Home Worker In-Home Support Worker Life Skills Worker Personal Care Assistant

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle training and mentoring new staff while managing a residential facility?

Expected Answer: Looking for experience in staff supervision, ability to create training programs, maintain quality of care while training others, and skills in balancing administrative duties with direct support responsibilities.

Q: Describe how you would implement and monitor individual service plans for multiple residents.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in creating care plans, tracking progress, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and adapting plans based on changing needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you handle emergency situations while maintaining the dignity of residents?

Expected Answer: Should show knowledge of emergency protocols, crisis prevention, de-escalation techniques, and ability to remain calm while ensuring resident safety and respect.

Q: What strategies do you use to promote independence while ensuring safety?

Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing risk management with promoting autonomy, teaching life skills, and supporting decision-making abilities of residents.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What experience do you have with personal care and daily living support?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss basic personal care tasks, maintaining dignity, and understanding of proper hygiene and safety procedures.

Q: How do you maintain professional boundaries while building rapport with residents?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of professional relationships, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and building trust with residents.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic personal care assistance
  • Following care plans
  • Documentation of daily activities
  • Basic health and safety procedures

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Medication administration
  • Behavioral support strategies
  • Crisis intervention
  • Activity planning and coordination

Senior (3+ years)

  • Staff supervision and training
  • Care plan development
  • Quality assurance monitoring
  • Program coordination

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No experience or training in disability support
  • Inability to work flexible hours including nights and weekends
  • Poor communication skills or documentation abilities
  • Lack of physical capability to assist with mobility needs
  • No understanding of privacy and confidentiality requirements