Low Demand Weekend Day Counselor

New-England-Center-and-Home-For-Veteran; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

New England Center and Home for Veterans in Boston, MA is seeking a Weekend Day Counselor to support a 24/7 Low Demand Program serving Veterans experiencing homelessness with mental health or substance use challenges.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, harm-reduction care, strong communication, crisis intervention, and collaboration with VA and NECHV teams. Requires an Associates Degree; weekend shifts on Saturdays and Sundays.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• 3–5 years’ experience with substance use, mental illness, and diverse populations.
• LADC or CADC preferred.
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma‑Informed and Person Centered models.
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills; clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Work within the low threshold model in a 24/7 program.
• Maintain safety, manage crises, and assist with caseload and residents.
• Coordinate with Operations Staff and VA liaison; follow event reports.
• Provide oversight of program coverage as needed.
• Apply Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed approaches with participants.
• Document shift information and maintain participant records.
• Collaborate with NECHV staff, VA, and community partners; attend trainings.

Skills

Crisis intervention

De-escalation

Motivational Interviewing

Harm Reduction

Trauma‑Informed care

Person Centered care

Effective communication

Education

Associates Degree required

Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: NECHV - Boston, MA 02108Salary Range: $22.60 - $24.04 HourlyPosition Title:Low Demand Weekend Day Counselor

Department:Human Services Department

Supervisor:Low Threshold Program Manager

Exemption:Non-Exempt

Schedule:Saturday and Sunday: 7am to 3pm

Job Summary:

The Low Demand Program is a program funded by the US Department of Veterans Affairs Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program.It is atwenty bed, 24/7 low threshold program for Veterans experiencing homelessness, diagnosed with mental health and/or substance use disorders, who may not be ready to engage in behavioral health treatment.

This position will work closely with Low Threshold Team, Operations Team, and other NECHV program staff and VA GPD Program Liaison to ensure highest quality of Trauma Informed and Harm Reduction services to meet Veterans’ needs and goals, and assure programmatic safety. This position is considered “essential staff” and may require working during holidays and/or inclement weather.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with other program staff and VA Coordinator, work within the low threshold model of service and care, in a twenty bed, 24/7 program.
• Work to maintain safety within the Low Demand Program, manage crisis situations and intervene with caseload and Center residents when needed and alerted.Work collaboratively withOperation Staff.Respond and follow up with event reports.Provide as needed oversight of both Low Threshold programs or in cases where one program may not have coverage.
• Work with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed and Person Centered models of care with all program participants
• Communicate and document relevant information about the shift.
• Maintain positive working relationships with NECHV staff, especially Operations Staff.
• Become familiar with referrals and resources to ensure that participants’ immediate needs are met.
• Work collaboratively with other NECHV programs, departments, and the Veterans Administration, maintaining positive relationships.
• Mustabide by the professional guidelines set by the Human Services Department.
• Attend meetings/trainings as required.
• Perform other duties as needed and as assigned.
• Provide oversight of both Low Threshold programs as needed or in cases where one program may not have coverage.
• Communicate with scheduling supervisor if frequency or availability to assist with shift pick up had changed.
• Participate in monthly or as needed supervision.
• Perform other duties as needed and as assigned

Qualifications

• Associates Degree Required; Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• Three to five years’ experience working with substance abuse, mental illness, and with a diverse population.
• Veteran status a plus.
• LADC or CADC preferred.
• Must haveknowledge, experience and skills working with Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed and Person Centered models of service.
• Must have knowledge, experience and skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation of potential situations.
• Must have strong communication, including communication via email and phone and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to maintain personal and professional boundaries with colleagues and participants.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Must be able to work within the low threshold model of care and maintain a positive working relationship with Low Threshold program and other Center staff, VA staff, and other community agencies such as Emergency Services and Police Dept.
• Must be able to remain awake during all shifts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work respectfully with a challenging and diverse population.
• Ability to gather and report data for reporting and maintain participant files and records according to standards set for the program.
• Reliability and commitment to show up for scheduled shifts and shifts that have been picked up.