Hope Counselor

Position: Hope House After Hours Counselor
After-Hours Counselor - Hope House on Crotona Park

Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice, Inc.

Job Summary:

The After Hours Counselor for Hope House on Crotona Park (HHCP), a residential alternative-to-incarceration, works during evening, overnight, and weekend hours and is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and well-being of Hope House residents - a justice-involved, high order felony offending population living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) and, in many cases, co-occurring substance use disorders. Working within the framework of the modified therapeutic community model, the After-Hours Counselor ensures that client activities, movement, and behavior remain consistent with the structure, expectations, and policies of the Hope House residential program.

The After-Hours Counselor provides direct support to residents, monitors client whereabouts, and serves as the first responder to any behavioral, medical, or environmental emergencies that arise outside of standard business hours. Although not a clinical position, the After-Hours Counselor plays a critical role in supporting the therapeutic milieu by using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and trauma-informed approaches to promote safety and stability within the residence.

The After-Hours Counselor reports directly to the Residence Supervisor and collaborates closely with the Program Director and clinical team to ensure continuity of care and communication across shifts.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Monitor client movement throughout the facility and maintain an accurate, up-to-date hourly census of all residents.

Ensure compliance with curfews, sign-in/sign-out procedures, and all program safety and security protocols.

Conduct regular facility rounds to ensure resident safety, adherence to established policies and procedures, and maintenance of a therapeutic environment.

Document all observations, incidents, and significant interactions in shift reports and communication logs in accordance with OMH and agency standards.

Assist qualified mental health staff in responding to behavioral crises, including risk assessments, suicide precautions, or other safety concerns.

Employ de-escalation and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) techniques to manage conflict and prevent escalation of resident behaviors.

Respond promptly and appropriately to emergencies, including medical incidents, behavioral disturbances, or facility-related safety issues, following established protocols.

Maintain a calm, supportive presence and model pro-social behavior for residents consistent with a trauma-informed, therapeutic community model.

Ensure that communal and residential areas are clean, organized, and secure throughout the shift.

Communicate relevant information regarding resident status, incidents, and facility conditions to incoming staff during shift transitions.

Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and supervision to enhance skills related to crisis management, trauma-informed care, and client engagement.

Uphold residents' confidentiality, dignity, and rights in accordance with agency policy and OMH regulations.

Minimum qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent required;
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of two (2) years' experience working in a residential, correctional, or mental health/substance use treatment setting.

Demonstrated knowledge of suicidality, risk assessment, and crisis response procedures.

Experience or training in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) methods and de-escalation techniques required.

Strong interpersonal, observational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage challenging situations calmly and professionally.

Must be able to maintain composure in high-stress situations and exercise sound judgment in emergencies.

Basic computer literacy and proficiency in electronic documentation systems.

Must be reliable, punctual, and able to work independently with minimal supervision during non-business hours.

Must be available to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

The essential functions of the job include:

Monitoring resident safety and facility security during all after-hours shifts.

Responding effectively to crises and emergencies with professionalism and adherence to protocol.

Maintaining accurate documentation and communication across shifts.

Demonstrating reliability, dependability, and consistent attendance.

Upholding the mission, values, and trauma-informed care principles of Hope House and the Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice, Inc.

Hope House does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

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