Counselor - RHY Shelter Program chez St. Anne Institute

St. Anne Institute

Job Description

1. TITLE:  Counselor – Shelter Program/RHY

2. SUPERVISOR:  Program Manager/Program Director – Runaway and Homeless Youth Services

Department

3. HOURS PER WEEK:  Parttime to include days, afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays

4. QUALIFICATIONS: Associates of Human Services preferred; High School Diploma/GED

required. Lived experience with homelessness/child welfare systems preferred.  Valid driver’s license. 

5. REQUIREMENTS:                Must be able to engage young people using principles of Harm Reduction,

Positive Youth Development, Trauma Informed Care and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention to establish supportive relationships.                                                           

6. FUNCTION:  Establish and maintain a therapeutic milieu (The combination of people,

emotions, attitudes and other objects that create a sense of safety, respect, belonging, care and accountability) for young people who have run away from home, are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. 

7. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure a clean, safe, therapeutic and healthy environment within the shelter program by completing daily housekeeping tasks.   
• Accurately complete the screening process for potential admissions and the intake process for youth who are accepted into the program. 
• Provide youth with low barrier access to RHY Services including but not limited to shelter, food, clothing and hygiene supplies. 
• Provide supervision to RHY youth while implementing shelter and agency guidelines and expectations. 
•  Facilitate groups, activities and outings that focus on independent living and positive youth development skills. 
• Transport youth to various appointments and activities that promote their health, well-being and safety using SAI vehicles. 
• Foster appropriate adult/child relationships; maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Use open, honest, effective, professional communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Thoroughly and accurately document all information and data required by funding sources and oversite agencies.  
• Conduct outreach activities to strengthen community connections and increase public awareness of RHY services. 
•  Maintain relationships with law enforcement, health providers, churches, schools, shelters, or any other group that may provide services or referrals.
• Attend and contribute to monthly group staff meeting and individual staff development meetings.
• Complete/attend all training and in-services as required by oversight and funding agencies within time frames designated by Program Manager/Program Director. 
• Attend training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. Consistently utilize the techniques to prevent and intervene in crisis situations, which may include physical intervention when needed. 
• Abide by the NYS Justice Center and the SAI Codes of Conduct/Ethics including fulfilling mandated reporter requirements. 
• Perform any additional responsibilities as assigned
• This position may work across all direct care programs to accommodate fluctuations in staffing