Counselor - Southampton Street Shelter (Homeless Services Bureau)

Since 1983 the Commission's Homeless Services Bureau has provided emergency shelter, workforce development, and housing services to individuals experiencing a crisis of homelessness with the goal of making homelessness in Boston rare, brief, and one time. We are one of the largest shelter providers in New England, running two emergency shelters, which operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year, and providing more than 5,000 homeless individuals annually with food, beds, lockers, emergency clothing, health care, case management, and housing services. We use a housing first framework and principles of trauma informed care, restorative justice, and health equity to people move from homelessness to housing as quickly as possible.

Duties

• Ensures overall safety of guests and shelter environment. Performs rounds throughout the unit. Searches clients for contraband upon arrival in unit.
• Intervenes to de-escalate conflict situations, anticipating potential conflict situations and intervening prior to crisis.
• Develops positive professional relationships with guests to facilitate care.
• Maintains stable environment by ensuring compliance with rules and individual service plans.
• Monitors and serves meals, coordinates food and other supplies, and supervises clean up after meals. Monitors and distributes linen and clothing supplies for guests.
• Attends required meetings and training sessions.
• Provides phone coverage, as necessary.
• Performs various administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate records, recording log notes and data entry.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Associate of Science Degree OR High School Diploma / GED and 1 year of related experience.
• Experience working with addicted and mentally ill populations preferred.
• Experience working with diverse ethnic, racial, and low-income populations required.
• Able to follow directions and work harmoniously with staff and guests.
• Computer literacy preferred. Strong written and verbal skills required.
• Bi-Lingual/Spanish speaking preferred
• Valid, active Massachusetts (MA) driver's license and good driving record required. Applicants who do not possess a valid MA driver's license are eligible for hire but must obtain a valid, active MA driver's license within the first six (6) months of employment and thereafter maintain such license as conditions of employment.