Residential Assistant - Safe House

Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) is a dedicated nonprofit organization based in San Mateo County, California, that specializes in providing crisis intervention and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence and their children. Established with the mission to save lives and foster healing, CORA has been a pillar of support for intimate partner abuse survivors for nearly 40 years. The agency operates a 24-hour crisis hotline, collaborates with law enforcement, and offers emergency shelter options alongside mental health therapy, transitional housing, legal services, and educational workshops focusing on the dynamics of domestic violence and promotion of healthy relationships. CORA's approach is strengths-based, collaborative, accessible, and client-centered, with a firm commitment to respect and dignity for all individuals regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, or culture.

The Residential Assistant role at CORA is a part-time, non-exempt position located at the CORA main office in San Mateo, CA. The salary range offered is $25 to $26 per hour. This position reports directly to the Residential Programs Coordinator and operates primarily on-site, with a schedule of Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 8 pm. As a Mandated Reporter, this role carries the legal and ethical responsibility to report suspected child abuse in compliance with California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA).

The Residential Assistant is integral to the daily operations and well-being of CORA's confidential safe house facilities, which provide a secure environment for survivors of domestic violence. The role involves supporting residents through crisis intervention, needs assessments, case management, and facilitating community activities. The Residential Assistant enforces residential guidelines to maintain confidentiality and safety, oversees the cleanliness and maintenance of the safe house, manages inventory of client resources, and supervises volunteers. The position demands an empathetic, trauma-informed approach and effective collaboration with other CORA departments and community partners.

Residents receive voluntary services, including weekly community programming and educational workshops designed to foster growth, healing, and empowerment. The Residential Assistant is responsible for intake assessments, safety planning, peer counseling, and facilitating support groups, playing a pivotal role in helping residents develop individualized short-term service goals and providing ongoing advocacy and case management support.

CORA places a strong emphasis on cultural competency, emotional maturity, and sound judgment, expecting all staff to work empathetically with a diverse client base and collaborate effectively within a team setting. The Residential Assistant must be well-versed in emergency procedures, data documentation, and program compliance standards while maintaining high levels of professionalism and interpersonal skills. The position also involves flexible work hours, including the possibility of evenings, weekends, and holidays, and requires a valid California driver’s license with reliable transportation and insurance due to travel between multiple safe house locations within San Mateo County.

This role offers a valuable opportunity for individuals committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors of domestic violence by supporting their safety, healing, and empowerment within a respected and long-standing community service organization. CORA fosters an inclusive, transparent, and respectful work environment, actively encouraging candidates from diverse backgrounds, including bilingual individuals, people of color, LGBTQ community members, and survivors of domestic violence to apply.