RESIDENTIAL CARE SPECIALIST

Position Number: 22103624

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: August 24, 2026

This position is located at the Arkansas State Hospital, a 24/7 behavioral health facility, in Little Rock.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Residential Care - Career Path

Classification: Residential Care Specialist

Class Code: PRC04P

Pay Grade: SGS01

Salary Range: $33,280 - $49,254

Job Summary

The Residential Care Specialist provides direct care, supervision, and support to individuals residing in a state-operated residential facility. This entry-level position focuses on assisting residents with daily living activities, fostering a safe and supportive environment, and ensuring compliance with individualized care plans.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist residents with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, and mobility. Monitor and document residents behaviors, conditions, and progress according to care plans. Ensure resident safety and well-being by implementing supervision procedures and emergency protocols. Provide basic health and wellness support, such as administering prescribed medications under supervision. Utilize positive reinforcement and de-escalation techniques to manage resident behaviors. Support residents in developing independent living skills such as money management and communication. Assist with conflict resolution and peer mediation as needed. Maintain a clean, organized, and structured living environment for residents. Follow state regulations, facility policies, and safety procedures related to resident care. Report any concerns, incidents, or changes in resident behavior to supervisors in a timely manner.

Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated ability to work with individuals who may have developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or behavioral challenges. Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, and staff members. Strong listening skills and the ability to provide clear instructions or redirection. Ability to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations. Basic knowledge of de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution strategies. Attention to detail in documenting resident progress and reporting concerns. Ability to follow structured care plans while adapting to residents evolving needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Ability to read and write.

Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee's demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licensure/Certifications

N/A OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.