Residential Counselor, Transitional Housing

The Y in Central Maryland; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Y in Central Maryland is seeking a Residential Counselor to help families experiencing homelessness achieve stability and permanent housing. You will support residents in daily living skills, access resources, and navigate challenges under the guidance of the Program Manager.

You will contribute to a safe, respectful residential environment, document progress, and coordinate with staff to implement individualized plans and activities that promote independence and community integration.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and observational abilities.
• Experience applying de-escalation and crisis-response techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Support the Program Manager with resident assessments, service planning, interventions, and progress reviews.
• Welcome and orient new residents and volunteers to the program and resources.
• Observe resident interactions and communicate concerns or progress to supervisors.
• Assist residents in following individualized service plans and transitions to housing.
• Teach independent-living skills: cleaning, meals, budgeting, shopping, and organization.

Skills

Communication skills

Observation skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Computer literacy

Flexibility

Diversity awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves. If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

As a Residential Counselor, you will support families experiencing homelessness as they work toward stability, independence, and permanent housing. You will help residents strengthen daily living skills, access needed resources, navigate challenges, and maintain progress toward their individual goals.

Under the direction of the Program Manager, you will help create a safe, respectful, and supportive residential environment where families are treated with dignity and encouraged to build a more sustainable future.

This Work Is Right For You If You

• Have experience supporting at-risk youth, families, or individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Can provide compassionate support while holding residents accountable to program expectations.
• Remain calm and use sound judgment during conflicts, crises, or emergencies.
• Have experience using positive behavior-support, de-escalation, and problem-solving techniques.
• Communicate clearly and document information accurately.
• Are dependable, observant, organized, and comfortable working independently.
• Can work effectively with people from different backgrounds and life experiences.
• Are available to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, overnight shifts, and holidays.

Essential Functions

• Residential Counselors may be scheduled for the following shifts:
  • 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM
• Support the Program Manager with resident assessments, service planning, interventions, and reviews of resident needs and progress.
• Welcome and orient new residents and volunteers to the program, facility, expectations, and available resources.
• Observe resident interactions and behaviors and communicate concerns, progress, or significant incidents to the appropriate supervisor.
• Support residents in following individualized service, intervention, and transitional housing plans.
• Teach and reinforce independent-living skills, including cleaning, meal preparation, budgeting, grocery shopping, household organization, and appointment management.
• Help residents identify and address social, environmental, and healthcare needs.
• Plan and participate in residential, recreational, and community activities.
• Transport residents to appointments, activities, and community locations as assigned.
• Provide crisis intervention and emergency support and notify the supervisor or on-call contact in accordance with established procedures.
• Complete required assessments, progress notes, incident reports, and other program documentation accurately and on time.
• Conduct routine building inspections and address or report safety concerns and violations of residential guidelines.
• Maintain a safe, clean, positive, and respectful environment in collaboration with residents and coworkers.
• Model appropriate boundaries, respectful communication, conflict resolution, and effective problem-solving.
• Communicate the Y’s mission and program objectives to residents, volunteers, partners, and the community.
• Model the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Perform other job-related duties consistent with the purpose and scope of the position.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience working with at-risk youth, families, individuals experiencing homelessness, or other vulnerable populations.
• Experience applying positive behavior-support, de-escalation, crisis-response, or problem-solving techniques.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, observation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to respond appropriately to sensitive situations and maintain confidentiality.
• Basic computer skills and experience using standard workplace software.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, overnight shifts, and holidays.
• Ability to work effectively with people from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to meet all required background-screening, training, and transportation requirements associated with the position.

Physical And Work Requirements

• Ability to work in an active residential environment and move throughout the facility.
• Ability to use a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, use hands and arms, communicate effectively, and lift or move up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to enter and work within assigned Y in Central Maryland program environments.

All Y associates agree to abide by The Code of Conduct with Youth that sets clear expectations for associates and volunteers to ensure a safe and respectful environment for young people. It emphasizes treating youth with respect and fairness, avoiding inappropriate physical or verbal interactions, and adhering to established standards of affection. The policy strictly prohibits any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment and mandates the reporting of suspected mistreatment. Additionally, associates and volunteers must complete training on child abuse prevention and comply with legal reporting requirements to safeguard youth.