Relief Men's Inn Counselor

Pine Street Inn • Boston, MA

93d

About The Position

The Guest Services Specialist (GSS) works from the Pine Street Inn policy and procedures developed to ensure a safe shelter environment for guests and staff. The Guest Services Specialist has a primary focus on the direct care of guests and, as such, responds to guests in a timely and professional manner based on the prioritization of guests' needs. The GSS assists with the development and implementation of a housing pathway by motivating guests to rapidly work on housing and connecting guests to appropriate resources. The Guest Services Specialists will also assist guests in connecting with substance abuse, mental health and medical resources when the shelter cannot safely accommodate a guests needs. The GSS is required to stay energized and focused even when demands are ambiguous and strenuous. The GSS is required to enter data into the Homeless Management Information (HMIS) system and to document reports in keeping with agency policy. The GSS is required to make sound decisions and appropriately seeks guidance from a supervisor.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the Human Services field
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to stretch, bend and lift up to (twenty-five) 25 lbs
• Ability to assist guests up and down stairs, and in-and-out of wheelchairs
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies
• Ability to respond safely, quickly, and calmly in emergencies and to emergency situations
• Ability to use good judgement in stressful or emotionally charged situations
• The sensitivity and patience to work with guests suffering from mental illness (many untreated), alcohol and other drug addiction and abuse
• Ability to be resilient in difficult and ambiguous situations
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to comprehend and apply Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care skills
• Ability to communicate/speak (as well as to listen) in a non-judgmental manner

Nice To Haves

• Valid MA driver's license in good standing
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Administering Narcan and in a work setting
• Knowledge in the areas of addiction, recovery, and mental illness
• Knowledge of issues pertaining to the homeless
• Knowledge of area resources

Responsibilities

• Actively motivate guests through daily interaction to quickly move out of shelter by any means possible to include staying with family or friends and moving back to their community of origin
• Consistently follow PSI and shelter safety policies and procedures promoting a safety conscious work environment
• Treat all guests and staff with dignity and respect
• Proactively conduct wellness checks of guests in different sections of the building
• De-escalate stressful situations utilizing Critical Incident Debriefing and Trauma-informed Care
• Administer Naloxone as needed
• Perform CPR as needed
• Enforce the 'Good Neighbor Policy': Monitor the building and the surrounding area for safety, security and hazards ensuring a safe/secure environment for guests, staff and all others
• Connect guests to emergency medical services, detox and other community programs as needed to include, but not limited to, Triage, Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) services, Day Services, Detox and substance abuse services
• Connect guests to MATCH behavioral supports to assess and respond to symptoms of mental illness and co-occurring disorders
• Enhance a quick match to housing by working collaboratively with PSI Triage, RRH and housing placement staff
• Maintain daily shelter documentation to include but not limited to: shelter intake when needed, HMIS systems, log and referral books maintained at the front desk, Suspension of Services (SOS) and SOS status
• Follow animal accommodation policies
• Assist guests through meal service, and as directed by a supervisor, with showering and/or dressing.
• Pleasantly greet, welcome and work with volunteers, donors, food servers, tour groups and other visitors
• Help guests with all issues pertaining to lockers as needed or assigned
• Maintain a knowledge of the effective use of the phone, fax, and computer systems and copiers located throughout the Inn

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees