Senior Youth Counselor

ALI FORNEY CENTER•New York, NY

16d•$24 - $24

About The Position

The Senior Residential Youth Counselor provides direct peer support to Youth Counselors and ensures housing environments remain physically and psychologically safe, secure, affirming, and stocked with food and necessary supplies. Senior Youth Counselors support residents through individual and group programming and ensure resident needs and concerns are communicated to housing leadership and resident care teams in a timely manner. Senior Youth Counselors support fellow Youth Counselors and the site by ensuring work orders are submitted to IT and facilities teams, food and supply orders are completed, and conducting follow up as needed. Senior Youth Counselors also provide shift coverage as required within their designated shifts.

Requirements

Must be highly organized and able to work independently.
Experience working with adolescent/young adult populations, especially within LGBTQ+ and homeless communities.
Knowledge of psychosocial needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ and homeless youth.
Strong leadership skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to provide empathetic support.
Ability to handle crises calmly and effectively, utilizing appropriate de-escalation techniques.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
Ability to navigate and utilize online ordering systems for supplies and food.
Strong written communication skills for documentation and report writing.
Basic knowledge of IT troubleshooting and the ability to submit and follow up on work orders.
Familiarity with crisis management tools and de-escalation techniques.

Nice To Haves

Multilanguage speaking candidates are encouraged to apply (Spanish, French, etc.).
Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.
People with lived experience of homelessness encouraged to apply.
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Develop and facilitate group activities that achieve the learning objectives set by the housing leadership.
Manage site inventory (food, supplies, COVID trackers).
Order food and supplies for the housing site.
Deliver metrocards, petty cash, and supplies to housing sites.
Submit facilities/IT work orders and manage the food and supply vendor accounts (Amazon, GrubHub, etc.)
Ensure residents are connected to services and engaging with their care team, including Case Managers, Mental Health Specialists, Health Counselors, and Career Readiness.
Attend Treatment Team Meetings and Clinical Treatment Meetings; communicate updates and concerns to the housing team regarding residents.
Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping, including:
Client charts
Site log books
Incident reports (submission to PTS)
Incident report, fire drill, invoices, and group note binders
Incentives and consequences tracker
Resident metrocards and check requests
Complete housing intakes and orientation with incoming residents.
Conduct on-site training with incoming Youth Counselors.
Provide peer support to Youth Counselors to answer frequently asked questions.
Lead monthly Youth Counselor peer support groups.
Supervise Resident Advisors.
Facilitate day-to-day crisis management and de-escalation among residents.
Attend regular staff meetings, including Mandatory In-Service, Resident Advisory Board, Case Conference, Operations Team Meeting, Youth Conuselor Support Teaming Teambuilding, and Training.
Attend weekly supervision.