Residential Counselor - Family Shelter Services

About Bill Wilson Center:

Bill Wilson Center provides services to children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Clara County. Additionally, we reach clients through our street outreach and crisis line programs. Bill Wilson Center programs focus on housing, mental health care, supportive services, and advocacy. Bill Wilson Center is committed to working with the community to ensure that every youth has access to the range of services needed to grow to be healthy and self-sufficient adults. A key component of Bill Wilson Center's philosophy encompasses a strength-based approach to improving the lives of the youth and young families in our communities. Bill Wilson Center has been providing services to runaway and homeless youth since 1973. Join us and become a difference maker at Bill Wilson Center!


Job Summary:

Under the supervision and direction of the Shelter Manager of the Family Shelter Services, the Residential Counselor provides ongoing support to clients and oversees daily operations in the functioning of the Family Shelter. Day shift, swing shift, and overnight shifts will be supported by the Residential Counselors.


Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

CLIENT SUPPORT AND SUPERVISION

• Supervise families residing in the shelter, ensuring adherence to house rules and promoting a peaceful environment.
• Respond to resident concerns and mediate conflicts effectively.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to families facing stress and challenges.
• Assist with daily living tasks as needed, potentially including meal preparation or hygiene routines.
• Monitor children's safety and well-being, adhering to child protection protocols.
• Provide supports to clients and monitor client activity during shifts.
• Support clients with breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on shift.
• Support in preparation and distribution of food, snacks and resources to clients.

ADVOCACY AND EMPOWERMENT

• Advocate for families within the shelter system and during interactions with external agencies.
• Empower families to make informed decisions and take ownership of their goals.
• Celebrate families' successes and milestones.

DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING

• Maintain accurate records of resident interactions, including incidents, concerns, and progress reports.
• Contribute to case management plans by providing updates on resident behavior and progress.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean and healthy environment within the shelter.
• Respond to emergencies and ensure the safety of residents and staff.
• Be aware of fire safety procedures and evacuation plans.

COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION

• Collaborate effectively with case managers, social workers, and other shelter staff to provide holistic support to families.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with residents, respecting their privacy and confidentiality.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• May assist with shelter operations tasks like intake procedures, meal distribution, or activity facilitation.
• Attend training opportunities to stay updated on best practices in shelter management and trauma-informed care.
• Participate in team meetings and provide feedback on shelter services.
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
• Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:


This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

• (B.A.) in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field plus 2+ years of relevant youth and family experience and/or training; or 5+ years on field experience/lived experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Preferred experience working with homeless clients and in a shelter setting.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Language Skills: Ability to understand and interpret a variety of documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence. Strong communication skills are essential to effectively engage with diverse individuals and groups. Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese) are highly valued and strongly encouraged.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Current CPR and First Aid Certification required (or complete within 30 days of hire). Valid California driver's license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance that can be used for company business. Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations. TB test required.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts as required for reporting.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and address a variety of real-world situations where limited standardization may exist. Ability to understand and interpret instructions provided in multiple formats, including written, verbal, visual (such as diagrams), or scheduled forms. Flexibility in learning and communication methods is welcomed and supported.
• Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, individuals should have familiarity with internet software, spreadsheet software, and word processing software. Comfort with internet research is a plus. Training and support will be provided as needed to ensure success in these areas.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Salary Range:

$24.00 - $26.00 per hour.

Employee Benefits & Perks:

We offer a generous compensation package for full-time employees that includes the following:

• 4 Weeks Accrued PTO
• 14 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Paid Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Life Insurance Plans
• Flexible Spending Plans for Medical, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
• 401 (K) Retirement Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Upward Career Mobility
• Discounts and Savings through Tickets At Work and LifeMart

EEO:

Bill Wilson Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency's operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.