Residential Counselor - Overnight

Kids for the Future; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off accrual

Paid holidays

Health insurance options

403(b) retirement plan

Dental and vision coverage

Job summary

Opportunity Council is hiring a Residential Counselor in Bellingham, WA. This full-time role supports tenants in residential programs, with emphasis on individuals facing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

Overnight shifts run 9:30pm–8:00am with weekend coverage as needed. Responsibilities include client engagement, building safety, crisis response, and collaboration with case managers.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year experience in human services or related field preferred, with homelessness/mental illness/chemical dependency experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to tenants and building operations in residential programs.
• Assist clients with daily needs and crisis management.
• Coordinate with case management and program staff to support transitions from homelessness to stable housing.
• Maintain documentation and daily logs of residential activity.

Skills

One year experience in human services

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

• Location 1022 North State Street,Bellingham, WA, 98225,United States
• Base Pay $22.00 / Hour
• Job Category Social Services , Housing Services, Community Services
• Employee Type Regular Full Time

Position Open Date: 09/04/2026

Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as a Residential Counselor!

WHO WE ARE:

For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.

OUR VALUES:

At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. We’re also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our work—from the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff.

To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Residential Counselor (RC) provides day-to-day support to tenants (Clients) and building operations in residential programs. Responsible for assisting clients living in supportive housing projects with their daily needs, with special emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders. Responsible for daily crisis management, client relationship management, and effective and safe daily building operations. Works closely with clients, program staff and other community providers to support tenants as they transition from homelessness to safe, secure, long-term housing.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Overnight: 9:30pm - 8am. Shift days will vary to ensure coverage. Wage differential is offered for overnight hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interacts with clients in the general lobby and common areas, maintaining a positive and supportive environment.
• Operates all functions in residential lobby, including checking visitors in and out, answering telephones and monitoring security systems.
• Assists in the initiation, facilitation and promotion of on-site activities, outings and community meetings.
• Maintains safety and security by monitoring all general access areas and enforcing project rules.
• Intervenes in crises, respond to emergencies, and initiates action as required, including contact with emergency response systems.
• Assists case management staff in engaging residents through creative, resourceful strategies that build trust and confidence.
• Works cooperatively with case managers and other program and partner staff and assists staff in the coordination of services to residents.
• Processes and maintains required paperwork and documentation, including daily residential activity logs.
• Assists with other property management functions as assigned.
• Accepts and processes food and meal donations from partner and community-based non-profits.
• Works with clients and program staff to prepare community meals and assists clients with meal preparation as needed.
• Overnights and weekends may be required.
• Ability to obtain and retain a WA state food worker card for length of employment.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year experience in human services or related field, preferably experience with the issues of homelessness, mental illness, and chemical dependency.

We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services.

OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being, growth, and work‑life balance.

• Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays)
• Paid time off for wellness needs
• Employer-paid holidays
• Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
• HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms
• Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
• Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
• Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and p ersonal legal services

ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY:

Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute

We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. That’s why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.