Residential Counselor
About the Organization
Making Opportunity Count (MOC) empowers families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. To alleviate poverty, MOC delivers services including childcare, education, workforce development, nutrition, health, and community and housing support.
About the Role
Residential Counselors play a vital role in supporting individuals and families in a congregate emergency shelter. They provide direct, hands-on support that fosters life skills, stability, and personal growth through a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. Counselors help ensure the shelter operates smoothly and safely by conducting intakes, orienting new residents, and communicating shelter policies, schedules, and expectations.
Responsibilities
- Provide case management support to families in coordination with the site team to reduce barriers.
- Communicate and enforce shelter rules and regulations to ensure smooth operation.
- Respond effectively to emergency situations, document appropriately, and communicate according to established guidelines.
- Complete intake processes and support the transfer, separation, or termination of families as needed.
- Provide support and structure, addressing resident/guest/visitor concerns and initiating crisis intervention when necessary.
- Record documentation as required by program guidelines, including shift logs, reports, and compliance documents.
- Attend and actively participate in meetings and training as requested.
- Monitor security cameras, complete building rounds, and ensure facility security.
- Perform light housekeeping duties to maintain site cleanliness and maintenance.
- Follow established procedures related to scheduling and staffing issues.
- Communicate concerns regarding behaviors, health, and safety to appropriate staff.
- Monitor site entry and communications with professionalism.
- Maintain privacy of resident/guest information in accordance with agency policies and legal requirements.
- Maintain professional boundaries.
- Complete all shift tasks and inspections according to program guidelines.
- Other duties as assigned by the program manager/director.
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent required.
- 3 years of previous experience working with individuals in need of social services (preferably low-income individuals) strongly preferred.
- Ability to follow shelter guidelines on safety and emergency handling.
- Excellent customer service, organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Strong crisis management skills.
- Proficient computer skills, including basic software and data collection.
- Good attention to detail.
- Bilingual skills preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to move throughout the facility, including locations with stair-only access, to conduct regular rounds and room checks.
- Must be able to ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs regularly.
- Ability to move safely throughout worksites for extended periods during a shift.
- Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach as needed for room inspections and client support.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor client activity and ensure a safe shelter environment.
- Ability to respond quickly in emergencies, including moving swiftly throughout the building.
Pay
A salary within the range of $20.43 to $27.64 per hour will be provided to the successful candidate, with exact placement determined based on experience and MOC’s compensation framework.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
- Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability.
- Flexible Spending Accounts.
- 15 Paid Vacation Days.
- 12 Paid Sick Days.
- 13 Paid Holidays.
- Student Loan Forgiveness Assistance.
- Tuition Remission.
- Pet Insurance.
- Employee Discounts.
- Professional Development Opportunities.
- On-Demand early pay access.
- Immediate 403b Employer Contribution, 100% vesting on day one.