Floater Youth Counselor

Location: New York

Ali Forney Center Position Title Floater Youth Counselor Department Housing Reports  ToHousing Director Location Schedule Sunday -Thursday 10pm-6amTuesday-Saturday 10pm-6amSunday-Thursday 2pm-10pmTuesday-Saturday 2pm-10pmStatus

Full-TimeFLSA Status Non-Exempt Compensation $21.60

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY The Floater Youth Counselor is responsible for filling open schedule needs across AFC programs to support daily operations and provide direct care to residents and clients.

Youth Counselors create and supervise a physically and psychologically safe and affirming environment for residents and clients, helping them meet their needs and progress on their goals. Youth Counselors provide individual support and group programming and oversee the functioning of the site. Youth Counselors must be organized, able to work and solve problems independently and communicate effectively with supervisors

Floater Youth Counselors are required to fill open schedules across programs and travel between sites as needed. AFC may cover some travel needs, for example, if needing to travel after the start of a shift.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Resident Support & Engagement Provide trauma-informed, strengths-based support to residents

Build positive, professional relationships with residents while maintaining appropriate boundaries

Monitor resident safety and well-being throughout each shift

Assist residents in accessing services and community resources

Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts as needed

Encourage resident participation in programming and community activities

Program Operations Maintain appropriate staff coverage across assigned housing programs

Conduct room checks, safety rounds, wellness checks and other required program duties

Assist with resident move ins, move outs and daily program operations

Ensure compliance with Housing Program policies and procedures

Maintain clean, safe and welcoming program environments

Documentation

Complete timely, accurate and objective documentation

Document resident interactions, incidents and shift activities in accordance with agency standards

Review communication logs and program updates at the beginning of each shift

Communicate pertinent information to oncoming staff and leadership

Cross-Program Support Adapt quickly to different housing programs and operational environments

Follow site-specific procedures while maintaining consistent Standards of Care Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams across programs

Support staffing needs across the Housing DepartmentQUALIFICATIONSExperience working with adolescent/young adult population required

Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQ/homeless population is helpful

Must be highly organized and able to work independently

Ability and willingness to work at different sites across NYCAbility to remain awake for the entire shift duration

Ability to walk up at least 3 flights of stairs each hour to complete walk-throughs

Ability to lift up to 20 lbsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSTransgender and gender non confirming people are encourage to apply

Strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and social justice

Persons with lived experience WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is performed across multiple AFC Housing Programs, including emergency and transitional housing settings

Floater Youth Counselors work a fixed full-time schedule (evening or overnight); work locations may change based on operational needs

Employees may be reassigned to another housing program during a shift, with transportation provided by AFCThe role requires frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs, responding to crises and the ability to adapt to changing environments while providing resident-centered services.

CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIESAFC Core Competencies Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice

Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations

Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration

Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability

Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments

Role-Related Competencies Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with youth, colleagues and supervisors

Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, providing compassionate support to youth

Strong ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions independently

Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and program supervisors

Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and handle emergencies calmly and efficiently

Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate…