What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full-Time Housing Youth Counselor position at Ali Forney Center?
The Residential Youth Counselor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the housing program and the direct care of residents during 12-hour shifts. Youth Counselors create and supervise a physically and psychologically safe and affirming environment for residents, helping them meet their needs and progress on their goals. Youth Counselors provide individual support and group programming, and oversee the functioning of the site. Youth Counselors must be organized, able to work and solve problems independently, and communicate effectively with supervisors. Full-Time Youth Counselors are scheduled to work 3 days a week, 36 hours a week.
TOP RESPONSIBILITIES
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Provide a physically and psychologically safe, clean, and secure homelike environment.
- Complete hourly site walk throughs to check in with residents and ensure the site is secure.
- Complete daily chores as needed.
- De-escalate and regularly check in on issues between residents.
- Maintain a safe, respectful, hospitable, and professional atmosphere.
- Provide individual and group support to residents as needed.
- Facilitate groups or activities.
- Prepare and supervise meals. (This is required in the Emergency Housing program.)
- Use trauma informed care practices to uphold and support program policies and ensure consistency in the delivery of services.
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Document daily services, maintain client charts, progress notes, and group notes.
- Complete daily individual and group progress notes.
- Communicate necessary resident updates to program supervisors and residents care teams (Case Manager, Therapist, Health Counselor) as needed, in a timely manner.
- Communicate with Operations, IT, and Facilities as needed.
- Attend weekly mandatory staff meetings and training.
- Attend regular supervision, at least twice per month.
COMPETENCIES
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with youth, colleagues, and supervisors.- Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, providing compassionate support to youth.
- Problem-Solving: Strong ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions independently.
- Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with the treatment team, IT and Facilities, and program supervisors.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and handle emergencies calmly and efficiently.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Cultural Competency: Awareness and understanding of the cultural and social issues affecting LGBTQ and homeless youth.
- Conflict Resolution: Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts among youth and between youth and staff.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
[ x] High School or Equivalent
[ ] Vocational Training
[ ] Undergraduate Degree
[ ] Masters Degree
Training/Experience in youth social services required.
TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
- Strong written communication skills for documentation and report writing.
- Familiarity with crisis management tools and de-escalation techniques
QUALIFICATION NEEDED
- Ability to remain awake for the entire shift duration.
- Experience working with adolescent/young adult population required.
- Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQ/homeless population is helpful.
- Must be highly organized and able to work independently.
- Ability and willingness to work across different sites, flexible hours, weekends, and holidays; may include overnight shifts.
Bilingual (Spanish) speaking encouraged to apply. Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.
The Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply
