Lead Residential Counselor

San Diego LGBT Community Center•San Diego, CA

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Center, a community non-profit established in 1972, serves the San Diego LGBTQ community with targeted programs and services. Its mission is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities. The vision is to create a welcoming, valued, and supported environment. The Center is sex-positive and offers advocacy, health, and social support services, guided by values of equity, social justice, and client-centered, trauma-informed care. With over 75 staff across five facilities, The Center is committed to being a vibrant, bold, innovative, safe, and modern organization. This part-time position reports to the Youth Housing Manager and supervises operations at The Center's emergency shelter, Safe STAY Wellness Center, which serves transitional-age youth (ages 18–24). The role involves staff supervision and development, maintaining a safe and supportive environment, and ensuring continuous care for youth residents. The ideal candidate is trauma-informed, youth-centered, and committed to creating an affirming space that meets the physical, emotional, and health-related needs of all residents. The position is scheduled for weekend shifts on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM.

Requirements

A minimum of one year of direct experience working with LGBTQ+ youth, individuals living with HIV, and/or communities of color is required.
Proven experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, understanding their unique challenges and needs.
Demonstrated expertise in applying strength-based, trauma-informed, and positive youth development approaches to effectively support and empower youth.
Must be able and willing to work awake overnight shifts, providing consistent support and supervision during critical hours.
Strong ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, adjusting plans and actions as needed to meet shifting demands.
Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to take initiative, manage responsibilities independently, and make critical decisions in real-time.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage and de-escalate crisis situations with compassion and professionalism.

Nice To Haves

Two years of direct experience working with transitional-age youth in shelter, residential, or youth service settings.
Familiarity with the unique needs of youth with lived experience in the foster care and/or juvenile justice systems.
Formal training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and positive youth development approaches.
Proficiency in using electronic recordkeeping systems, including client management software or case documentation tools.
Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.
Must be able to adapt to a flexible, overnight work schedule to meet the needs of the program and youth residents.

Responsibilities

Maintain an active staff presence during assigned shifts, including awake overnight coverage, to ensure consistent supervision and support.
Coordinate staffing schedules and collaborate with the Youth Housing Manager to secure timely and reliable shift coverage during staff absences or schedule changes.
Conduct routine safety checks, respond effectively to emergencies and crises using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques and ensure timely and thorough completion of incident reports.
Ensure supplies are stocked and reordered as needed.
Support the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new program staff to maintain a skilled and mission-aligned team.
Ensure the facility remains clean, organized, and safe, and report any maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
Maintain regular communication with supportive services staff to coordinate care, address challenges, and support each youth's individual needs.
Foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional environment through strong relationships with youth participants and team members.
Ensure strict adherence to shelter policies, procedures, and program standards in alignment with best practices and organizational values.