Overnight Shelter Counselor, Yawkey House

About the role

The Guest Services Specialist (GSS) works from the Pine Street Inn policy and procedures to ensure a safe shelter environment for guests and staff. The role focuses on direct care of guests, responding timely and professionally based on prioritized needs, assisting with housing pathway development, connecting guests to resources, and supporting substance abuse, mental health, and medical needs when the shelter cannot accommodate them. The GSS must stay energized and focused during ambiguous and strenuous demands, enter data into the Homeless Management Information (HMIS) system, document reports per agency policy, make sound decisions, and seek supervisor guidance as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and timely, professional responses to guests based on prioritized needs.
• Assist in developing and implementing housing pathways, motivating guests to work toward housing.
• Connect guests to appropriate resources, including substance abuse, mental health, and medical services when shelter cannot safely accommodate needs.
• Maintain energy and focus during ambiguous and strenuous situations.
• Enter data into the Homeless Management Information (HMIS) system and document reports per agency policy.
• Make sound decisions and seek guidance from a supervisor when appropriate.

Qualifications

Education/Training:

• Required: High School diploma or GED.
• Preferred: Valid MA driver’s license in good standing; Bilingual English/Spanish.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Required: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in the Human Services field.
• Preferred: Experience administering Narcan and CPR in a work setting; knowledge in addiction, recovery, and mental illness; understanding of homelessness issues; familiarity with area resources.

Pay

Base pay: $21.40 – $23.33 per hour (DOE). Plus $2.00 shift differential for each hour worked between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am.

Schedule

40 hours per week, Thursday–Monday, 10:45 pm – 7:15 am. Essential position during weather or other emergencies.

Location: 363 Albany Street, Boston, MA (100% on‑site).