Full-Time Youth Counselor

The Ali Forney Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Residential Youth Counselor to support LGBTQ+ youth in a safe and affirming environment. This role involves overseeing daily operations, providing direct care, and facilitating individual and group programming. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, along with a deep understanding of the psychosocial needs of the youth served. Join a dedicated team committed to empowering young individuals and helping them thrive as they navigate their unique challenges. This opportunity allows you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need.

Qualifications

• Experience with LGBTQ+ youth and homeless populations is essential.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and supportive environment for residents.
• Document daily services and maintain client records.
• Facilitate group activities and support individual needs.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Problem-Solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Organizational Skills

Cultural Competency

Conflict Resolution

Education

Experience working with adolescent/young adult population

Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQ/homeless population

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Schedule

Tuesday- Saturday 3pm-11pm

Organization Overview

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides comprehensive services, including housing, healthcare, and educational support to over 2,000 youth annually. AFC's mission is to create an affirming and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

Position Summary

The Residential Youth Counselor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the housing program and the direct care of residents during 12-hour shifts. Youth Counselors create and supervise a physically and psychologically safe and affirming environment for residents, helping them meet their needs and progress on their goals. Youth Counselors provide individual support and group programming, and oversee the functioning of the site. Youth Counselors must be organized, able to work and solve problems independently, and communicate effectively with supervisors.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a physically and psychologically safe, clean, and secure homelike environment.
• Complete hourly site walk-throughs to check in with residents and ensure the site is secure.
• Complete daily chores as needed.
• De-escalate and regularly check in on issues between residents.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, hospitable, and professional atmosphere.
• Provide individual and group support to residents as needed.
• Facilitate groups or activities.
• Prepare and supervise meals. (This is required in the Emergency Housing program.)
• Use trauma-informed care practices to uphold and support program policies and ensure consistency in the delivery of services.
• Document daily services, maintain client charts, progress notes, and group notes.
• Complete daily individual and group progress notes.
• Communicate necessary resident updates to program supervisors and residents’ care teams (Case Manager, Therapist, Health Counselor) as needed, in a timely manner.
• Communicate with Operations, IT, and Facilities as needed.
• Attend weekly mandatory staff meetings and training.
• Attend regular supervision, at least twice per month.
  

Qualifications

Competencies

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with youth, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, providing compassionate support to youth.
• Problem-Solving: Strong ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions independently.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with the treatment team, IT and Facilities, and program supervisors.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Cultural Competency: Awareness and understanding of the cultural and social issues affecting LGBTQ+ and homeless youth.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts among youth and between youth and staff.
  
  

Skills Needed

• Ability to remain awake for the entire shift duration.
• Experience working with adolescent/young adult population required.
• Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQ/homeless population is helpful.
• Must be highly organized and able to work independently and collaboratively
  
  

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
• Strong written communication skills for documentation and report writing.
• Familiarity with crisis management tools and de-escalation techniques.