Residential Counselor

Making Opportunity Count Inc; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Vacation Days

Paid Sick Days

Paid Holidays

403b Employer Contribution

Job summary

Making Opportunity Count seeks a Residential Counselor to support families in a congregate emergency shelter. You will provide direct, hands-on support, conduct intakes, orient residents, and enforce shelter policies to ensure safety and structure 24/7.

Responsibilities include crisis intervention, documentation, light housekeeping, and active participation in meetings. Strong English communication and empathy are essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• 3 years' experience working with individuals in need of social services preferred
• Ability to follow shelter guidelines on safety and emergencies
• Excellent English communication in speech and writing
• Strong customer service, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in basic computer software and data collection

Responsibilities

• Provide case management support to families in coordination with the site team
• Communicate and enforce shelter rules for smooth site operation
• Respond to emergencies and document according to guidelines
• Complete intake and support transfers within the family units
• Offer crisis intervention and maintain a safe, respectful shelter environment
• Record shift logs, reports, and program compliance documents
• Attend meetings and training as requested
• Monitor security cameras and conduct building rounds
• Perform light housekeeping and assist with staffing and scheduling
• Report concerns about behaviours, health, and safety to staff

Job description

Residential Counselor

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2483

Salary Range: $20.43 To $27.64 Annually

Title Code: 20COM023

Role Title: Residential Counselor

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Union Status: None

Job Level: 20

Department: 21 – Community Services

Pay Range: $20.43 to $27.64 per hour

Reports To: Shelter Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Revision Date: 8/11/2025

About Making Opportunity Count

MOC’s mission is to empower families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. To alleviate poverty, we deliver a variety of services including childcare, education, workforce development, nutrition, health, and community and housing support.

Position Overview:

Residential Counselors play a vital role in supporting individuals and families in a congregate emergency shelter. They provide direct, hands-on support that fosters life skills, stability, and personal growth. Through a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, they help ensure the shelter operates smoothly and safely. Key responsibilities include conducting intakes, orienting new residents, and clearly communicating shelter policies, schedules, and expectations. Counselors maintain a safe, welcoming environment by upholding safety protocols, enforcing rules, and ensuring structure within a 24/7 facility. They also perform light housekeeping, complete shift duties on time, and offer compassionate crisis support when needed. This role is essential in creating a respectful, supportive space where all residents feel seen, safe, and empowered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide case management support to families in coordination with the site team that supports barrier reduction.
• Communicate and enforce rules and regulations to ensure smooth operation of the site.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations, document appropriately and communicate according to the established guidelines.
• Complete intake process and support the transfer, separation or termination of an EA family.
• Provide support and structure, being attentive to guest/resident/visitor problems or concerns.
• Initiate crisis intervention when necessary.
• Record documentation as required by program guidelines including but not limited to shift logs, reports, and compliance documents.
• Required to attend and actively participate in meetings and training as requested.
• Monitor security cameras, complete building rounds and ensure the facility is secure.
• Provide light housekeeping duties that support the cleanliness and maintenance of the site.
• Follows established procedures related to scheduling and staffing issues.
• Communicate concerns regarding behaviors, health and safety to appropriate staff/personnel.
• Monitor entry to site and communications with the upmost professionalism.
• Maintain privacy of resident/guest information in accordance with agency policies, procedures and practices and as required by law.
• Complete all shift tasks according to program guidelines.
• Complete inspections as required by guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned by program manager/director.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• 3 year previous experience working with individuals in need of social services (preferably low income individuals) strongly preferred
• Ability to follow shelter guidelines on safety, handling emergencies, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing
• Excellent customer service, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Proficient computer skills required in basic computer software and data collection

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to move throughout the facility to conduct regular rounds and room checks, including at locations with stair-only access
• Must be able to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs regularly
• Ability to move safely throughout worksites for extended periods of time during a shift
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed to perform room inspections, support shelter operations, and respond to client needs
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
• Must be able to perform tasks that involve physical movement, such as setting up rooms, moving light furniture, or supporting emergency protocols
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor client activity and ensure a safe shelter environment
• Ability to respond quickly in emergencies, including the ability to move swiftly throughout the building

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Compensation:

A salary within the range of $20.43 to $27.64 per hour will be provided to the successful candidate having met the minimum requirements for the position consistent with MOC compensation philosophy. The candidate’s exact placement will be determined based on factors consistent with MOC’s compensation framework. MOC offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 15 Paid Vacation Days
• 12 Paid Sick Days
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Student Loan Forgiveness Assistance
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development Opportunities
• On-Demand early pay access
• Immediate 403b Employer Contribution, 100% Vesting on Day One!

EEO Statement:

Making Opportunity Count is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.