Overnight shelter Counselor, Men's Inn

Pine Street Inn; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 29,480 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Pine Street Inn in Boston is seeking a Guest Services Specialist to help maintain a safe, welcoming shelter environment. The role emphasizes direct guest care, timely responsiveness, and prioritizing guests’ housing needs while linking them to appropriate resources.

You will document interactions in the HMIS system, stay energized under demanding conditions, and collaborate with supervisors to make sound decisions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of one year in the Human Services field.
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to respond quickly and calmly to emergencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to guests promptly and professionally, prioritizing housing needs.
• Assist in developing a housing pathway and connect guests to resources.
• Document interactions and reports in the HMIS system per policy.
• Make sound decisions and seek supervisor guidance when needed.

Skills

Emergency response

Good judgement

Clear communication

Multitasking

Motivational Interviewing

Trauma-Informed Care

Non-judgmental communication

Resilience

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

SCHEDULE: 40 hours, Saturday-Wednesday 10:45pm-7:15am

Pays $21.40 - $30.00 per hour DOE

Plus $2.00 (shift differential pay) for every hour worked between 11:00pm – 7:00am

LOCATION: 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA (Men’s Shelter)

Summary Of The Position

The Guest Services Specialist (GSS) works from the Pine Street Inn policy and procedures developed to ensure a safe shelter environment for guests and staff. The Guest Services Specialist has a primary focus on the direct care of guests and, as such, responds to guests in a timely and professional manner based on the prioritization of guests’ needs. The GSS assists with the development and implementation of a housing pathway by motivating guests to rapidly work on housing and connecting guests to appropriate resources. The Guest Services Specialists will also assist guests in connecting with substance abuse, mental health and medical resources when the shelter cannot safely accommodate a guests needs. The GSS is required to stay energized and focused even when demands are ambiguous and strenuous. The GSS is required to enter data into the Homeless Management Information (HMIS) system and to document reports in keeping with agency policy. The GSS is required to make sound decisions and appropriately seeks guidance from a supervisor.

Qualifications

Education/Training

REQUIRED:

• High School diploma or GED

Knowledge/Experience

REQUIRED:

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the Human Services field

Physical Abilities/Skills

• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to stretch, bend and lift up to (twenty-five) 25 lbs
• Ability to assist guests up and down stairs, and in-and-out of wheelchairs
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies

Mental Abilities/Skills

• Ability to respond safely, quickly, and calmly in emergencies and to emergency situations
• Ability to use good judgement in stressful or emotionally charged situations
• The sensitivity and patience to work with guests suffering from mental illness (many untreated), alcohol and other drug addiction and abuse
• Ability to be resilient in difficult and ambiguous situations
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to comprehend and apply Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care skills
• Ability to communicate/speak (as well as to listen) in a non-judgmental manner

Preferred

• Valid MA driver’s license in good standing
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Administering Narcan and in a work setting
• Knowledge in the areas of addiction, recovery, and mental illness
• Knowledge of issues pertaining to the homeless
• Knowledge of area resources