Residential Counselor (Part-time or Full-time)

Description

JOB TITLE: Residential Counselor (Part-time or Full-time)

DEPARTMENT: Daybreak/Department of Youth and Community Empowerment

REPORTS TO:  Program Manager

POSITION STATUS: Part-time or Full-Time-Non-Exempt- Up to 30 hours per week-In person (day shift, swing shift, overnight, and weekends)

SALARY: $23-$25 per hour

DESCRIPTION:

StarVista is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has helped people of all ages throughout San Mateo County navigate life challenges for over 55 years. Our mental health, crisis intervention, youth housing, substance use, and early childhood services help thousands of individuals each year. StarVista’s services are rooted in strength-based, holistic practices and center diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure anyone who comes to StarVista can access support. StarVista’s values of respect, passion, partnerships, accountability, innovation and integrity foster an agency culture of support and growth.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

StarVista’s Daybreak program is a transitional housing program for homeless youth ages 16-21. The program's goal is to prepare the youth for independent living and self-sufficiency. Daybreak participants receive training in: Obtaining and maintaining employment, Personal health and self-care, Money management, Meal planning and preparation, performing daily chores, Accessing and using educational training and community resources, Locating, and renting housing, Pursuing educational opportunities, Case Management, Counseling, Educational Groups, Socialization Activities, and Permanency Planning.

POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

We are seeking an energetic, dedicated, well-qualified residential counselor who has a passion for working with youth, to provide milieu counseling, and ensure clients are completing their programmatic responsibilities. Residential counselors support and assist clients through skills development and personal goal achievement. Many of the clients we serve are considered at-risk and face challenges including mental health issues, problems with substance use, have poor hygiene, significant psychosocial stressors, and behavior problems. Residential counselors work directly with our clients and help connect them to outside community resources to address their needs. In addition, residential counselors work to build positive relationships with the clients and offer crisis intervention on an as-needed basis. Residential counselors collaborate regularly with all Daybreak Staff and report to Program Coordinator and Program Manager.

 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Monitors facility and residents during shift hours to ensure safety 
• Completes daily shift documentation of client interactions. 
• Performs bed checks and room inspections. 
• Assesses emergency and medical situations and determines appropriate action, notifies supervisor, police, parents, hospital, as appropriate and/or completes incident report.
• Responds to and refers telephone inquiries to appropriate resources as needed
• Ensures the safety of all residents during shift hours
• Completes overnight shift tasks to ensure house is clean and sanitized for next shift.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Computer Literate & ability to multi-task
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Knowledge of public and private community resources 
• Ability to work with a minimum of direct supervision.
• Positive personal and professional presentation.
• Skill in assisting clients in a respectful and supportive way.
• Adhere to county and state HIPAA and confidentiality laws. 
• Ability to work as a team member, when necessary, to accomplish tasks supporting the agency’s mission.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Seeking an energetic, team orientated, dedicated, experienced residential counselor who has a passion for working with youth.
• High School Diploma or GED is required. BA degree is preferred
• Ability to remain awake and alert during overnight shifts
• Ability to pass fingerprint and TB clearance
• Skilled in use of software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Teams.
• Communicate effectively and compassionately with youth, volunteers, staff, and community partners.
• Maintain open communication among staff regarding work availability
• Ability to make sound judgments and set good boundaries.
• Willingness to continuously improve skills and explore areas of growth through supervision, continuing education, and individual d