Safe Haven Overnight Counselor

New England Center and Home for Veterans•Boston, MA

6d•$23 - $24

About The Position

Work within a 25 bed, 24/7, low threshold program for homeless Veterans who may not yet be committed to full abstinence or recovery. Work closely with Safe Haven Team, other NECHV programing and VA Program Liaison to ensure highest quality of trauma informed, harm reduction services to meet Veterans needs and goals. The Overnight Counselor will work a 3-day, 12 hour per shift, and must remain awake during the entirety of the shift. This position will also assist in providing coverage and support in other Center Programs/Operations, as needed. This position is considered “essential staff” and may require working during holidays and/or inclement weather.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
Three to five years’ experience in case management, substance abuse, mental illness, and with a diverse population.
Must have knowledge, experience and skills working with Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed and Person Centered models of service.
Must have knowledge, experience and skills in crisis intervention and de-escalation of potential situations.
Must have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be able to maintain personal and professional boundaries with colleagues and participants.
Must be able to work within the low threshold model of care and maintain a positive working relationships with Safe Haven and other Center staff, VA staff, and other community agencies such as Emergency Services and Police Dept.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work respectfully with a challenging and diverse population.
Ability to gather and report data for reporting and maintain participant files and records according to standards set for the program.
Must be able to remain awake and alert for overnight hours.

Nice To Haves

Veteran status a plus.
LADC or CADC preferred.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with other program staff and VA Coordinator, work within the low threshold model of service and care, in a 25 bed, 24/7 recovery program.
Provide substance use disorder counseling, crisis intervention to program participants.
Handle crisis and emergency situations as they may arise overnight.
Assist with helping all participants as needed as issues arise on the overnight shift.
Knowledge, experience and skills working with Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed and Person Centered models of service.
Communicate relevant information about the overnight shift to the daytime staff.
Maintain positive working relationships with NECHV staff, especially Operations security Overnight Staff.
Become familiar with referrals and resources to ensure that participants’ immediate needs are met.
Work collaboratively with other NECHV programs, departments, and the Veterans Administration, maintaining positive relationships.
Must abide by the professional guidelines set by the Human Services Dept.
Provide oversight of both Low Threshold programs as needed or in cases where one program may not have coverage.
Perform other duties as needed and as assigned.