Awake Overnight Counselor – Youth Services

Community Access Unlimited; Elizabeth (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid orientation

Ongoing paid training

Job summary

Community Access Unlimited (CAU) is seeking Awake Overnight Counselors to supervise a youth shelter in Elizabeth, NJ. Work overnight from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.

with some days varying, and receive one week of paid orientation plus ongoing paid trainings. You will stay awake, support youth, and help them navigate daily living tasks while ensuring safety on site. The role requires a high school diploma or GED, and at least six months (one year for full-time) of experience with ages 13–17.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Six months of experience with youth ages 13–17; one year for full-time roles.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office helpful.
• Availability for paid orientation and ongoing trainings.

Responsibilities

• Stay awake and on-site to keep youth safe during the overnight shift.
• Provide supportive counseling and help youth build daily living skills.
• Transport youth to school, medical appointments, and activities as needed.
• Encourage participation in community life.
• Keep the residence safe, clean, and well-organized, with proper documentation.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Reliability

Observation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Be the Steady Presence Through the Night

At Community Access Unlimited (CAU), we help people live safe, full, and independent lives. That includes young people at risk, ages 13 to 17, who live in our youth shelter program.

We're looking for caring, dependable Awake Overnight Counselors to keep our youth shelter safe through the night. You'll stay awake and alert on the overnight shift, help young people build daily living skills, offer supportive counseling, and make sure they get where they need to go.

Position at a Glance

Title: Awake Overnight Counselor

Location: Elizabeth, NJ

Status: Full-time or part-time

Pay: $20.57 per hour

Schedule: Overnight, 12 a.m.–8 a.m.; days vary

Training: One week of paid orientation before your first shift, plus ongoing paid training

What You'll Do

• Keep young people safe overnight, staying awake, alert, and on site for your full shift.
• Help young people build daily living skills, and offer supportive counseling.
• Drive young people to school, medical appointments, and activities as needed.
• Help young people take part in community life.
• Keep the residence and its equipment safe, clean, and organized.
• Complete required documentation accurately and on time.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least six months of experience working with young people ages 13 to 17 (one year for full-time).
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Strong organization, self-motivation, and comfort with computers and Microsoft Office.
• Availability for the full week of paid orientation, and for paid trainings that may fall outside your regular shift.

Why Join CAU

Since 1979, Community Access Unlimited has helped adults with disabilities and young people at risk across New Jersey live full, independent lives. Today we support more than 5,000 individuals, and we're still growing.

• Purpose you can see. You'll be the steady, caring adult young people can count on through the night.
• A mission-driven culture. We put the people we serve first, which means we value inclusion, choice, independence, and self-advocacy.
• Room to grow. Paid training, tuition assistance, and a tuition discount at Kean University (if eligible) help you build your career here.
• Competitive pay and benefits. Full-time staff receive medical and dental insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, and more.