Shelter Counselor, Northampton

Job Overview Join to apply for the Shelter Counselor, Northampton role at Clinical & Support Options, Inc. CSO is looking for Counselors for our shelter, Friends of the Homeless, in Northampton. Shelter Counselors provide initial triage and intake interviews for people seeking and accessing shelter; document and advise about services available and needed; support bed assignments, meal supports, onsite activities, and general guest engagement; document client interactions and shift work; work with staff and guests to maintain a safe and supervised shelter environment, and facilitate the efficient and effective operation of the shelter during assigned shift. Starting salary: $38,000-$44,000 per year. Premium shift pay available for overnight shifts. Responsibilities Greet, communicate and respond to Shelter visitors and guests by demonstrating respect and sensitivity to all individuals. Empower our shelter guests by providing them with a safe, sanitary, and dignified environment. Coordinate evening and overnight activities including bed assignments, meals, and safety assessments. Coordinate shelter access through the intake process ensuring all needed documentation has been obtained including basic demographics for record keeping and referral purposes. Comply with and communicate all shelter rules, policies and procedures to shelter guests. Maintain and update guest files, and clearly communicate with other shelter staff through written and verbal reports. Build relationships with guests; meet basic needs, identify additional needs based on their current situation, answer questions, and assist with problem solving, demonstrating empathy and acceptance. Support guests in times of urgency or crisis to engage with systems of care, including CSO nursing and behavioral health services, while attempting to divert from 911 use whenever possible. Conduct room and bag checks, assess for safety and remove dangerous or illegal items. Be awake and alert at all times. Complete necessary guest intakes & annuals via Electronic Client Records system and update as required. Perform a variety of duties depending on shift; ensure guests’ belongings are properly stored, enforce lights-out, perform scheduled chores, conduct rounds every ½ hour of dorm(s) and bathroom, and outside outside; report findings and contact notes in the Electronic Records system. Document incident reports as needed. Update guest charts in Electronic Client Records system and use shift reports to summarize relevant events. Coordinate and participate in social support groups such as orientation, house meetings, and activities/events designed to meet guest's needs. Background / Qualifications Bachelor's degree (preferred). High School Diploma or Associate's degree with experience working in the Human Services field. Human Services related work or internship (preferred). Computer proficiency. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Values Positive – maintaining resiliency and focusing on solutions. Respectful – collaborating and effectively communicating. Insightful – demonstrating self-awareness and effectively prioritizing. Conscientious – taking accountability and applying feedback. Benefits Competitive salaries, full health and dental coverage, free CEUs for in‑house training, ample paid time off, a 403(b) retirement savings plan, employee referral bonuses, group rate supplemental insurances, a premier employee assistance program, personal cell phone plan discounts, and a flexible, supportive work environment fostering collaboration. About Our Agency Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a dynamic behavioral health organization serving Western Massachusetts for over 50 years. With offices across Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, and beyond, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families. Join our team of over 650 multi‑disciplinary staff and become part of a collaborative environment where excellence is fostered internally and partnerships are forged externally with community organizations. At CSO, you'll find a flexible and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and growth. Join us and make a positive impact on thousands of lives in our communities! CSO was voted a "Healthcare Industry Top Workplace" in 2023 and 2024. We are the fastest‑growing Behavioral Health agency in Western Massachusetts. CSO has consistently received high marks on our internal employee satisfaction survey, noting that over 90% of CSO staff would recommend CSO as a great place to work. We encourage you to check us out! CSO offers Training in: Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Skills and more. Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/AA #J-18808-Ljbffr