Relief Residential Counselor

Huckleberry Youth Programs•San Francisco, CA

20h

About The Position

The Relief Residential Counselor provides coverage for full-time residential staff at Huckleberry House Youth Shelter, including scheduled shifts and emergency coverage when additional staffing is needed. Shifts are scheduled monthly, generally two to three weeks in advance, and the role requires a minimum commitment of two coverage shifts per month. Weekend availability and at least one awake overnight shift per week are mandatory. Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the beginning of the assignment and able to make an 11-month commitment. The counselor supervises and engages youth in the shelter and community, conducts intake assessments, provides crisis counseling, supports phone coverage and case management, and helps youth develop life skills and work toward case-plan goals. The role also includes maintaining a safe and clean facility, following licensing requirements, attending required meetings and supervision, and collaborating with staff, families, and community partners.

Requirements

At least one year of full-time experience working with adolescents, or completion of 15 college semester units (or equivalent quarter units) in behavioral science, including 9 units related to children with behavioral problems.
Previous experience engaging youth and families in a setting involving youth advocacy, case management, youth-centered services, or crisis services.
Willingness and availability to work evenings, weekends, and a mandatory awake overnight shift.
Valid California driver’s license and a driving history that permits enrollment in the agency’s auto policy.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
Strong organization, creativity, and innovation.
Must pass Department of Justice and FBI background checks; candidates with backgrounds involving non-exemptible crimes under licensing requirements are not eligible for exemptions.
Must be at least 21 years old at the beginning of the assignment and able to commit for 11 months.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth in a residential setting.
Professional-capacity ability to speak Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision of youth in the shelter, on community outings, and during meetings and appointments.
Conduct intake assessments and engage with parents, legal guardians, and other involved adults.
Provide crisis counseling to clients and families in person and over the phone.
Answer phones and respond to crisis, business, information, and referral calls.
Assist with case-management tasks, including referrals and collaboration with community partners and Huckleberry clinicians.
Work a minimum of one awake overnight shift per week and provide emergency shift coverage when needed.
Supervise clients according to their case plans and daily schedules, including during group time, homework, meals, phone time, and bedtime preparation.
Supervise clients during awake overnight shifts and ensure compliance with licensing regulations and community agreements.
Educate and support clients in developing life skills, coping strategies, and steps toward their case-plan goals.
Model and reinforce boundaries and conflict resolution; conduct client check-ins as needed or requested.
Support the creation, planning, and facilitation of activities aligned with clients’ case plans.
Create a safe environment in which youth can explore healing, personal growth, and self-advocacy.
Help maintain a clean and safe facility, complete the overnight checklist, report repair needs, and assist with repair arrangements as directed.
Attend required client reviews, weekly staff meetings, supervision check-ins, and other agency meetings.
Perform other position-related duties as directed by the Program Director.