Full-Time Housing Youth Counselor

Full-Time Housing Youth Counselor

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides comprehensive services, including housing, healthcare, and educational support to over 2,000 youth annually. AFC's mission is to create an affirming and supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

The Residential Youth Counselor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the housing program and the direct care of residents during 8-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.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a physically and psychologically safe, clean, and secure homelike environment.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, hospitable, and professional atmosphere.
• Provide individual and group support to residents as needed.
• Facilitate groups or activities.
• Complete intakes for new arriving residents.
• 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.
• Document daily services, maintain client charts, progress notes, and group notes.
• Communicate with Operations, IT, and Facilities as needed.
• Attend weekly mandatory staff meetings and training.
• Attend regular supervision, at least twice per month.

Qualifications

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.

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 and collaboratively.

Technical Skills

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.

Bilingual (Spanish) speaking candidates are 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.