Residential Counselor Hypothermia Prevention Program

About the Role

The Temporary Residential Counselor (RC) for the Hypothermia Prevention Program is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the program from December 1st through April 1st. Working as part of a team, the RC ensures all essential shelter operations are conducted during their shift, delivering services equitably and with integrity in line with the Agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The RC evaluates and meets the individual needs of shelter guests, maintaining dignity and confidentiality for all guests, staff, and volunteers. Strong interpersonal and motivational skills, along with a patient, trauma-informed approach, are essential. The RC coordinates volunteers, manages food donations, and may leverage lived experience of housing instability to assess system barriers.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the Hypothermia site daily.
• Set up coffee and food serving areas daily.
• Receive food donations and assist donors with donation forms.
• Greet visitors and answer phones in a welcoming manner.
• Interact with shelter guests positively and respectfully.
• Provide orientation to new shelter guests.
• Monitor and maintain participant count throughout the shift.
• Conduct hourly walk-throughs and document in the Fire Watch logbook.
• Distribute mats, sleeping bags, and blankets after cleaning.
• Keep kitchen and shelter areas clean and organized.
• Complete shift documentation (shift notes, changeover updates, perimeter checks, etc.).
• Report critical incidents to supervisors and complete incident reports.
• Conduct after-hours intakes as needed.
• Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services for shelter guests.
• Stay updated on emails, shift logs, service suspensions, and incident reports.
• Communicate with program staff on participant and residential concerns.
• Ensure all documentation and shift responsibilities are completed before leaving.
• Attend required staff meetings, retreats, and trainings.
• Perform physical tasks such as unloading donations, stocking supplies, doing laundry, and completing grounds/dorm checks.
• Serve as essential staff during emergencies and inclement weather.
• May be deployed to work at the Embry Rucker Community Shelter (ERCS) as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Certification in Mandt or similar technique.
• CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English (a plus).
• Experience working with vulnerable individuals, including those with mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, make sound decisions, and manage interruptions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong follow-through.
• Ability to work collaboratively and under pressure.
• Responsible, dependable, and displays high integrity.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a shelter environment, and the role is considered essential personnel.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged sitting and computer work.
• Regular in-person interaction with the public, clients, and stakeholders.
• Ability to handle objects, tools, or controls.
• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Occasional navigation of stairs, ramps, and ladders.
• Low to moderate noise level in the work environment.

Schedule

Shifts available:

• 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
• 5:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.
• 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.
• 11:30 p.m. - 7:30 a.m. (last ½ hour at Embry Rucker Community Shelter for breakfast support).

Minimum commitment: 2 shifts per week.