Part-Time Day Time Youth Counselor

ALI FORNEY CENTER•New York, NY

11d•$25 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

Youth Counselors are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the housing program and the direct care of residents during 8 hour shifts. Youth Counselors create and supervise a physically and psychologically safe and affirming environment for residents, helping them meet their needs and progress on their goals. Youth Counselors provide individual support and group programming and oversee the functioning of the site. Youth Counselors must be organized, able to work and solve problems independently and communicate effectively with supervisors.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Experience working with adolescents and/or young adults
Ability & willingness to work weekends, holidays, overnight shifts and flexible schedules as required
Ability to remain awake for the entire shift duration
Ability and willingness to work across different sites, flexible hours, weekends and holidays; may include overnight shifts
Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice
Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations
Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration
Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability
Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with youth, colleagues and supervisors
Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, providing compassionate support to youth
Strong ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions independently
Ability to work collaboratively with the treatment team, IT & Facilities and program supervisors
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and handle emergencies calmly and efficiently
Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple tasks effectively
Awareness and understanding of the cultural and social issues affecting LGBTQIA+ and unhoused youth
Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts among youth and between youth and staff

Nice To Haves

Experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth and/or young adults
Experience working with youth or young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQIA+/homeless population is helpful
Familiarity with trauma-informed care and harm-reduction approaches
Experience providing crisis intervention, de-escalation or conflict mediation
Bilingual or multilingual skills

Responsibilities

Provide a physically and psychologically safe, clean, and secure homelike environment.
Complete hourly site walk throughs to check in with residents and ensure the site is secure.
Complete daily chores as needed.
De-escalate and regularly check in on issues between residents.
Maintain a safe, respectful, hospitable, and professional atmosphere.
Provide individual and group support to residents as needed.
Facilitate groups or activities.
Prepare and supervise meals. (This is required in the Emergency Housing program.)
Use trauma informed care practices to uphold and support program policies and ensure consistency in the delivery of services.
Document daily services, maintain client charts, progress notes, and group notes.
Complete daily individual and group progress notes.
Communicate necessary resident updates to program supervisors and residents’ care teams (Case Manager, Therapist, Health Counselor) as needed, in a timely manner.
Communicate with Operations, IT, and Facilities as needed.
Attend weekly mandatory staff meetings and training.
Attend regular supervision, at least twice per month.
Maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary environment by handling trash removal, cleaning surfaces, food storage areas, computer areas, bathrooms, sinks, and floors.