Emergency Shelter Counselor

Center for Youth Services; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals to join their Emergency Shelter team. This role involves providing essential support services to homeless and runaway youth in a safe and respectful environment. As a counselor, you will engage with youth, helping them identify their needs and develop strategies to overcome challenges. You will supervise daily activities, provide mentoring, and facilitate life skills training, all while fostering a trusting relationship with the youth. If you are dedicated to making a difference and have a background in human services, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field is essential.
• 1-2 years of experience in a residential youth program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily activities and ensure safety of youth.
• Provide individual counseling and crisis intervention.
• Plan and facilitate recreational and life skills activities.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Individual counseling

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

Tools

Documentation software

Job description

There are multiple shifts available as follows:

SHIFT 1: Sunday: 8am-3pm, Monday: 3pm-9:30pm, Tuesday: 2pm-10pm, Wednesday: Noon-10pm, Thursday: OFF, Friday: OFF, Saturday: 8am-3pm

SHIFT 2: Sunday: OFF, Monday: OFF, Tuesday: 2pm-9:30pm, Wednesday: 7:30am-3:30pm, Thursday: 2pm-9:30pm, Friday: 2pm-10pm, Saturday: 2pm-10pm

The Emergency Shelter team provides emergency survival-support services to homeless and runaway youth 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, year-round in a 12-bed residence for youth ages 12-17. Counselors strive to engage and establish mutually respectful, trusting relationships with the youth we serve. Clients are approached from a strength and asset-based perspective and staff form partnerships with them to help facilitate the identification of issues, concerns and needs and develop strategies to meet those needs. The ultimate goal of the team is to provide emergency care and support to RHY in a safe, respectful environment and to work with them to resolve the issues which led to their homelessness so that they can ultimately secure and maintain a stable living environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

• Supervision of daily activities, such as:
  • Wake-Up, Clean-up, Daily Chores and Bedtime
• Distribution of medications and appropriate documentation
• Liaison with Intake and Emergency Shelter Support (Counseling) teams
• Individual counseling and mentoring
• After-hour response, assessment and intake of youth in need
• Development and supervision of social, cultural and recreational activities and outings
• Crisis/conflict/prevention/intervention, response and intervention
• Maintenance of accurate and timely program records
• Research, development and facilitation of age-appropriate basic life skills and independent living skills trainings
• Assistance with maintenance of facility and grounds
• Assistance with daily meal planning and preparation
• Promotion of positive team interactions throughout the agency
• Active participation in individual and group supervision
• Attendance at staff meetings
• Development and pursuit of professional development
• Representation of the agency on community committees, coalitions, etc., as assigned
• Other duties, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services related field, 1-2 years of experience in residential youth program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid driver's license is required with a driving record that is approved by agency insurance provider.

The Center for Youth provides equal opportunities for employment.