Relief Residential Counselor

Huckleberry Youth Programs•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Huckleberry Youth Programs is hiring a Relief Residential Counselor for Huckleberry House Youth Shelter. The position provides coverage for full-time residential staff when they are off, as well as emergency coverage when staff call in sick or the facility needs additional staffing. Shifts are scheduled monthly, usually two to three weeks before the month begins, and the agency asks for 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 by the beginning of the assignment and able to make an 11-month commitment. The counselor provides direct supervision, crisis support, client engagement, and assistance with case management for youth experiencing instability. The role also involves maintaining a safe and orderly facility, following licensing requirements, attending required meetings, and working collaboratively with staff, families, clinicians, and community partners. This is a non-exempt, union position supervised by the Residential Manager.

Requirements

Previous experience engaging with youth and their families in a setting promoting youth advocacy, case management, youth-centered services, and/or crisis services.
Willingness and availability to work evenings, weekends, and a mandatory awake overnight shift.
Weekend availability is mandatory.
Minimum commitment of two coverage shifts per month.
Valid California driver’s license and driving history that permits enrollment in the agency’s auto policy.
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
Highly organized, creative, and innovative approach to work.
Must pass Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks; candidates with backgrounds involving items on the non-exemptible crimes list are not eligible for exemptions under the stated licensing requirements.
Must be at least 21 years old at the beginning of the assignment.
Must be able to make an 11-month commitment.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision of youth in the shelter, during community outings, and at meetings or 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 as assigned, including referrals and collaboration with community partners and Huckleberry clinicians.
Participate in at least one awake overnight shift per week and provide emergency shift coverage when needed.
Supervise clients in accordance with their case plans and daily schedules, including during group activities, homework, meals, phone time, and bedtime preparation.
Ensure client safety and compliance with community agreements and licensing regulations, including during awake overnight shifts.
Educate and support clients in developing life skills, coping skills, and steps toward their case plan goals.
Model and reinforce boundaries and conflict resolution, conduct check-ins, and help plan or facilitate activities aligned with clients’ case plans.
Create a safe environment that supports youth healing, personal growth, and self-advocacy.
Maintain a clean and safe facility, complete the Overnight Checklist, and notify management of repairs and assist with repair arrangements as instructed.
Attend required client reviews, weekly staff meetings, supervision check-ins, and other agency meetings as directed.
Perform other position-related duties as directed by the Program Director.