Part Time/ Weekend Independent Living Counselor (Foyer)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Part Time/ Weekend, Independent Living Counselor

Reports To: Social Work Supervisor - The Chelsea Foyer

Location: 202-212 West 24th Street, New York, New York 10011

Hours: 16 Hours/Week; Non-Exempt (Position Requires Staff to be Onsite)

Salary Range: 41,600K-46,000K based on relevant experience and education

Job Summary: We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate Independent Living Counselor who as a member of a multidisciplinary team, the responsibility of the Independent Living Counselor is to provide a safe and secure environment and dynamic life skills programming for the Chelsea Foyer residents. The Chelsea Foyer is an innovative 40-bed residential and vocational program for young adults who are preparing to transition into independent living once gaining job training, employment, educational and life-skills competencies.

Major Duties:

• Be able to work shifts by oneself as scheduled on evening, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
• While on the shift alone, or with other staff, be able to work through emergencies, which place the participants and other staff members at risk. Such emergencies include but are not limited to fires, gas leaks, earthquakes, power loss, city wide emergencies, etc. This work includes communicating with security, staff and residents what the emergency is and what actions need to be taken. Evacuating all 5 residential floors (40 units total) including the shared spaces on the main floor and the cellar. Assisting security with identifying that all participants and staff have been evacuated to the proper emergency meeting points.
• Work with security staff to ensure that only appropriate visitors remain in the residence during designated visitation hours assuring the safety of residents.
• Work as primary counselor for approximately 8 Chelsea Foyer residents.
• Be available to escort residents to appointments pertaining to the action plan, i.e. housing, employment, education, health
• In partnership with the case manager, insure that residents are meeting the expectations of their contract and support them as they develop life and work skills.
• In partnership with the case manager, identify appropriate resources to assist young people transitioning to independent living.
• Complete assessments regarding the residents’ life skills and work readiness.
• Ensure residents compliance with all programs policies and procedures.
• Diffuse potential crisis situations and take appropriate action in resolving crises.
• Assist in the development of the Independent Living Curriculum, facilitating twice monthly life skills workshops, and recreational activities.
• Participate in regularly scheduled program fire drills with other staff. This requires having to climb five flights of stairs to ensure the evacuation of all 40 units and shared spaces.
• Attend appropriate program and supervisory meetings as required.
• Regularly communicate with the Program Coordinator and all other Chelsea Foyer team members.
• Responsible for keeping progress notes on the program database ETO (Efforts to Outcomes) as well as any contract specific documentation in a timely manner.
• Complete a written transitional report for each shift and be actively involved in shift transition.
• Complete weekly apartment inspections for cleanliness and documenting the progress in ETO.
• Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self care in the department/program to create a non violent and trauma sensitive culture.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non violent and trauma sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model S.E.L.F (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
• All other duties as specified.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Required. Bachelor’s degree preferred plus one or more years' experience working in a residential setting.
• Must have a clear understanding of the needs of young adults experiencing homelessness and a sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences, and an understanding of the needs of the LGBTQ community.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength based, youth and family development and trauma informed perspective.
• Excellent crisis intervention, advocacy and problem solving skills.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and advocate on behalf of residents.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to maintain required documentation.
• Must be able to provide first aid.

Good Shepherd Services is an equal opportunity employer that is proudly committed to becoming an anti-racist and multicultural organization that stands up for justice and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse backgrounds, for administrative support and direct service and leadership roles, who will join us on that journey, uphold our values and approach, and believe in our mission. Additionally, we aim to have a racially representative leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Good Shepherd Services is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, participants, volunteers, subcontractors, and vendors. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of our activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and termination of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services.

We are committed to providing a workplace that is accessible and accommodating to employees with disabilities. As part of our commitment to providing a barrier-free recruitment and selection process, we will provide reasonable accommodations upon request for candidates with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the hiring process, please inform us of your needs in advance. We value diversity and inclusivity in our workplace and encourage applicants of all abilities to apply.

• Flexible hours to insure access and availability, including weekends and evenings.