Counselor (Guest Support Specialist) - 112 Southampton Shelter, Part-Time

Boston Public Health Commission•Boston, MA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all Boston residents, with a special focus on vulnerable populations. The Homeless Services Bureau (HSB) within BPHC offers a comprehensive range of services including emergency shelter, job training, behavioral health support, and housing assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in Boston. HSB aims to reduce and prevent homelessness by providing immediate support and facilitating swift transitions to stable housing, followed by in-home support to prevent recurrence. Their approach is grounded in Housing First principles and a racial justice framework, recognizing housing as a fundamental determinant of health. Services are delivered using evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing, ensuring they are low-threshold and accessible. Counselors, also known as Guest Support Specialists, are the primary point of contact for guests entering the shelter. They are crucial for maintaining the well-being of guests and the smooth operation of the shelter. These specialists act as a vital link between shelter operations and the services offered, engaging guests non-judgmentally and providing trauma-informed support and resources.

Requirements

Associate of Science Degree OR High School Diploma / GED and 1 year of related experience.
Punctuality, professionalism and respect for guests and staff are required.
Valid 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
Ability to follow directions and work collaboratively with staff and guests.
Strong written and verbal skills required.
Ability to Promote health equity, inclusion, and diversity within the BPHC, department and community.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, and inequities in health outcomes as well as strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
Commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with those experiencing mental health or substance use disorders preferred.
Experience working with diverse ethnic, racial, and low-income populations preferred.
Computer literacy preferred.
Bi-Lingual/Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole speaking preferred.

Responsibilities

Welcome guests, visitors, and volunteers at entry courteously and professionally; check guests into system, provide review of shelter rules/agreements as needed.
Provide a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness in the shelter, including but not limited to any designated low-threshold spaces. Responsible for the overall stability of the shelter environment for guests and staff by ensuring compliance with shelter rules and policies.
Facilitate shelter safety procedures including regular safety rounds throughout shelter and conducting search/screening procedures for guests entering shelter.
Develop positive professional relationships with guests/HSB clients to facilitate care.
Provide milieu support: this may include escorting guests throughout shelter and individual guest engagement and performing services in the main housing areas of the shelter and designated low-threshold units/areas.
Respond to emergencies and crisis situations according to appropriate HSB policies.
Intervene to de-escalate conflict situations, anticipating potential conflict situations and intervening prior to crisis.
Conduct formal and informal assessments to determine needs and make appropriate referrals to internal and external programs.
Facilitate linkage to HSB service teams and to other support services, including healthcare clinic, Recovery Services Bureau programs/recovery system, and low-threshold services.
Coordinate with internal programs to assist in the administration and/or facilitation of group meetings, life skills and information training, and day program activities.
Assist guests with daily living tasks as needed.
Coordinate the distribution and collection of guest resources including linens, food, clothing and toiletries.
Facilitate immediate access to safety, health, and harm reduction supplies for all guests.
Demonstrate professional conduct and relationships with guests and with all internal and external partners.
Maintain accurate records such as recording log notes and data entry into ETO or other HMIS.
Demonstrate knowledge of trauma informed care and housing first principles in guest engagements.
Maintain confidentiality and standards of ethical practice.
Attend required meetings and training sessions.
Provide phone coverage as necessary.
Transports clients via program van.
Works to help BPHC become an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
Performs other duties as required.