Relief Residential Counselor - SNS

SUMMARY:
RELIEF Residential Counselors provide part time and/or emergency coverage at the Safety Net Shelter gaining experience working with youth, 12-17 years of age who are healing from trauma, dealing with life stressors and working towards independent living by providing supervision, mentorship, redirection and listening skills that empower youth to heal and make healthy life choices. The Relief Residential Counselor creates a safe and supportive environment for youth who are in need of immediate shelter or crisis stabilization due to homelessness, runaway, family conflict, school problems, trauma or encounter with law enforcement, juvenile probation or child protective services. The Relief Residential counselor offers empathy, mentorship, conflict management, and coaching that empowers youth to heal, find healthy solutions and problem solving skills as part of their developmental stage towards self-sufficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive youth to their local schools using the Bill Wilson Center Safety Net Shelter van in the morning and/or afternoon (school transports).
• Mentor, coach, provide active listening to youth in program.
• Model age appropriate problem solving skills, conflict resolution and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Assist in screening, evaluation and orientation of homeless youth.
• Support recreational therapist during group activities.
• Complete daily documentation requirements.
• Maintain and dispense appropriate medications.
• Input client data into computer system.
• Help youth each morning as needed to ensure youth are ready for school or other activities.
• Support and guide youth to maintain healthy hygiene and personal care habits.
• Coordinate recreational activities and participate and/or instruct youth games.
• Utilize therapeutic interventions and redirection to moderate youth behavior.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation when crises or conflict arises.
• Transport youth to designated activities.
• Assist with housekeeping duties in the entire shelter to ensure cleanliness and tidiness at all times and report all maintenance or safety issues to manager or Facilities Manager immediately.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Ensure that any BWC vehicles used are kept tidy and that any maintenance or safety issues are reported to the Facilities Manager immediately.
• Regular attendance of scheduled shifts is a requirement of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
One to two years related experience and/or training.  Must be punctual, efficient and organized; effective and professional under pressure.  Basic knowledge of crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies. Ability to balance excellent client care with meeting deadlines and ensuring positive program goals and outcomes.  Experience providing services to clients of various racial, ethnic, socioeconomic backgrounds or sexual identity who are overrepresented in homeless populations as well as working in different cultural environments.  An understanding of humility and respect for working with homeless youth and families. Excellent communication skills - must be personable and informative when representing BWC programs and services.  Valid California driver's license with access to a personal vehicle, Fingerprint/background check and TB test required.