Lead Residential Counselor

About the role

Reporting to the Youth Housing Manager, the Lead Residential Counselor supervises operations at The Center's emergency shelter, Safe STAY Wellness Center, serving transitional-age youth (ages 18–24). This role includes staff supervision and development, maintaining a safe and supportive environment, and ensuring continuous care for youth residents. The ideal candidate is trauma-informed, youth-centered, and committed to creating an affirming space that meets the physical, emotional, and health-related needs of all residents.

Responsibilities

• Maintain an active staff presence during assigned shifts, including awake overnight coverage, to ensure consistent supervision and support.
• Coordinate staffing schedules and collaborate with the Youth Housing Manager to secure timely and reliable shift coverage during staff absences or schedule changes.
• Conduct routine safety checks, respond effectively to emergencies and crises using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques and ensure timely and thorough completion of incident reports.
• Ensure supplies are stocked and reordered as needed.
• Support the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new program staff to maintain a skilled and mission-aligned team.
• Ensure the facility remains clean, organized, and safe, and report any maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain regular communication with supportive services staff to coordinate care, address challenges, and support each youth's individual needs.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional environment through strong relationships with youth participants and team members.
• Ensure strict adherence to shelter policies, procedures, and program standards in alignment with best practices and organizational values.

Requirements

• Education and/or Experience: A minimum of one year of direct experience working with LGBTQ+ youth, individuals living with HIV, and/or communities of color is required.
• Proven experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, understanding their unique challenges and needs.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying strength-based, trauma-informed, and positive youth development approaches to effectively support and empower youth.
• Must be able and willing to work awake overnight shifts, providing consistent support and supervision during critical hours.
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, adjusting plans and actions as needed to meet shifting demands.
• Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to take initiative, manage responsibilities independently, and make critical decisions in real-time.
• Other Qualifications: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage and de-escalate crisis situations with compassion and professionalism.
• Flexible Scheduling: Must be able to adapt to a flexible, overnight work schedule to meet the needs of the program and youth residents.

Qualifications

• Education and/or Experience: Two years of direct experience working with transitional-age youth in shelter, residential, or youth service settings.
• Familiarity with the unique needs of youth with lived experience in the foster care and/or juvenile justice systems.
• Formal training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and positive youth development approaches.
• Proficiency in using electronic recordkeeping systems, including client management software or case documentation tools.
• Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $25.00 per hour and is commensurate with experience. This is a Part-Time Non-Exempt position working 16 hours per week.

Schedule

This is a part-time position scheduled for weekend shifts on Saturdays and Sundays from 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM.