Yawkey House Overnight Counselor

Location: 363 Albany Street, Boston, MA — this role works 100% on site.

Schedule

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

Pay

$21.40 – $23.97 per hour (salary is determined by experience and skill set).

About the Role

The Guest Services Specialist (GSS) works from Pine Street Inn policies and procedures to ensure a safe shelter environment for guests and staff. The GSS’s primary focus is the direct care of guests, responding to their needs in a timely and professional manner based on priority. The role assists with developing and implementing a housing pathway by motivating guests to rapidly work on housing and connecting them to appropriate resources. The GSS also helps guests access substance abuse, mental health, and medical resources when the shelter cannot safely accommodate their needs.

The GSS must stay energized and focused even when demands are ambiguous and strenuous, make sound decisions, and seek guidance from a supervisor when needed. Responsibilities include entering data into the Homeless Management Information (HMIS) system and documenting reports in accordance with agency policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care to guests, responding to their needs in a timely and professional manner
• Assist with the development and implementation of a housing pathway for guests
• Motivate guests to work on housing and connect them to appropriate resources
• Help guests access substance abuse, mental health, and medical resources when needed
• Enter data into the Homeless Management Information (HMIS) system
• Document reports in keeping with agency policy
• Make sound decisions and seek guidance from a supervisor as needed
• Maintain focus and energy in ambiguous or strenuous situations

Requirements

Education/Training

• Required: High School diploma or GED
• Preferred: Valid MA driver’s license in good standing
• Preferred: 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
• Preferred: Knowledge in the areas of addiction, recovery, and mental illness
• Preferred: Knowledge of issues pertaining to the homeless
• Preferred: Knowledge of area resources

Physical Abilities/Skills

• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to stretch, bend, and lift up to 25 lbs
• Ability to assist guests up and down stairs and in and out of wheelchairs
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies