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Residential aide vs support staff

The differences between residential aides and desk clerks supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a support staff has an average salary of $31,772, which is higher than the $26,176 average annual salary of a residential aide.

The top three skills for a residential aide include autism, developmental disabilities and compassion. The most important skills for a support staff are customer service, developmental disabilities, and mental health.

Residential aide vs support staff overview

Residential AideSupport Staff
Yearly salary$26,176$31,772
Hourly rate$12.58$15.28
Growth rate36%36%
Number of jobs74,826161,915
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 29%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Average age4847
Years of experience-6

What does a residential aide do?

A residential aide is responsible for assisting residents and patients in a community facility, supporting them in their daily activities and personal routines. Residential aides monitor the patients' health conditions, coordinate with medical professionals, and ensure that they receive the proper medications. They also assist the residents with their inquiries and concerns, as well as developing community programs and events, sustaining the healthy welfare of the citizens. A residential aide must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially when communicating with management and other organizations for assistance on charity works.

What does a support staff do?

School support staff provide specialized instructional and student support while utilizing school facilities. They often include diverse staff members whose main role is to ensure that students learn in a supportive and safe learning environment. It is also their duty to enhance school climate by promoting the involvement of parent and family in education as well as to encourage trusting, positive student relationships. They should inhibit positive behavior and send uplifting messages to students as they often connect with them throughout the day.

Residential aide vs support staff salary

Residential aides and desk clerks supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Residential AideSupport Staff
Average salary$26,176$31,772
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $33,000Between $25,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityBeverly, MASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsNew York
Best paying companyMercy Housing and ShelterLakeland Electric
Best paying industryEducationFinance

Differences between residential aide and support staff education

There are a few differences between a residential aide and a support staff in terms of educational background:

Residential AideSupport Staff
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 29%Bachelor's Degree, 46%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common college-Duke University

Residential aide vs support staff demographics

Here are the differences between residential aides' and desk clerks supervisors' demographics:

Residential AideSupport Staff
Average age4847
Gender ratioMale, 26.8% Female, 73.2%Male, 31.2% Female, 68.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 8.1% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 6.2% White, 62.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%8%

Differences between residential aide and support staff duties and responsibilities

Residential aide example responsibilities.

  • Lead support groups with an emphasis on recovery and strength base techniques, DBT, CBT, self-care and coping skills.
  • Provide direct patient care, understanding, and compassion for patients.
  • Train in Epi-Pen, CPR and allergic reaction emergency procedures.
  • Assist with transferring residents in and out of wheelchairs and adaptive equipment.assist with ADLs.
  • Aid patients with ADL'S which includes toilete assist, bathing, washing, dressing, cooking etc.
  • Administer medication, assisting with ADL'S, v/s, glucose monitoring, wind care, laundry and monthly paperwork.
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Support staff example responsibilities.

  • Manage SharePoint inventory repository and assign access levels to new hires as needed.
  • Provide companionship to the consumer.
  • Tutor students in various science courses, English and GED prep classes.
  • Maintain a safe, supportive and therapeutic environment which fosters growth and rehabilitation.
  • Work with students at various levels of mathematics knowledge within the same teaching environment.
  • Work with students who have graduated from the developmental mathematics program on more advance mathematics classes.
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Residential aide vs support staff skills

Common residential aide skills
  • Autism, 12%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 11%
  • Compassion, 11%
  • Direct Support, 8%
  • Cleanliness, 5%
  • CPR, 5%
Common support staff skills
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Developmental Disabilities, 7%
  • Mental Health, 6%
  • Meal Preparation, 6%
  • Direct Care, 6%
  • Home Maintenance, 6%

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