Shelter Counselor, Northampton

About the role

Friends of the Homeless, a shelter operated by CSO, seeks Shelter Counselors to provide essential support to individuals seeking and accessing shelter.

Responsibilities

• Greet, communicate, and respond to Shelter visitors and guests with respect and sensitivity.
• Empower shelter guests by creating a safe, sanitary, and dignified environment.
• Coordinate evening and overnight activities including bed assignments, meals, and safety assessments.
• Ensure all needed documentation is obtained for record keeping and referrals.
• Communicate and comply with all shelter rules, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain and update guest files and communicate with other shelter staff through reports.
• Build relationships with guests, addressing basic needs, identifying additional needs, answering questions, and assisting with problem-solving.
• Support guests in urgent or crisis situations, engaging with systems of care and diverting from 911 when possible.
• Conduct room and bag checks, assessing for safety and removing dangerous/illegal items.
• Be awake and alert at all times, completing necessary guest intakes and annuals, updating records, and documenting incident reports.
• Perform a variety of duties depending on shift, ensuring guests' belongings are properly stored, and adhering to chore schedules.
• Perform rounds and rounds outside to ensure facility integrity, reporting findings and contacting notes in the Electronic Records system.
• Coordinate and participate in social support groups as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (preferred)
• High School Diploma or Associate's degree with experience in the Human Services field (preferred)
• Computer proficiency
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and resiliency
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Self-awareness and prioritization
• Accountability and feedback utilization

Skills

• Customer service skills
• Emotional intelligence
• Problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Full health and dental coverage
• Free CEUs for in-house training
• Adequate paid time off
• A 403B retirement savings plan
• Employee referral bonuses
• Group rate supplemental insurances
• A premier employee assistance program
• Personal cell phone plan discounts
• A flexible, supportive work environment fostering collaboration

Pay

$38,000 - $44,000/year, with premium shift pay available for overnight shifts.

Schedule

Shifts vary, but typically include overnight and evening hours.