Relief Residential Counselor - Family Shelter Services

About Bill Wilson Center:

Bill Wilson Center provides services to children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Clara County. Additionally, we reach clients through our street outreach and crisis line programs. Bill Wilson Center programs focus on housing, mental health care, supportive services, and advocacy. Bill Wilson Center is committed to working with the community to ensure that every youth has access to the range of services needed to grow to be healthy and self-sufficient adults.

A key component of Bill Wilson Center's philosophy encompasses a strength-based approach to improving the lives of the youth and young families in our communities. Bill Wilson Center has been providing services to runaway and homeless youth since 1973. Join us and become a difference maker at Bill Wilson Center!

Job Summary:

Under the supervision and direction of the Shelter Manager of Family Shelter Services, the Relief Residential Counselor provides ongoing support to clients and oversees daily operations in the functioning of the Family Shelter on an as-needed basis. Relief staff fill in for regular Residential Counselors during staff absences or peak service times. Shifts may include day, swing, or overnight. Relief positions are non-benefited and scheduled on an as-needed basis depending on program needs and staff coverage requirements.

Work hours cannot exceed 24 hours a week.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Client Support/Supervision Supervise families residing in the shelter, ensuring adherence to house rules and promoting a peaceful environment.

Respond to resident concerns and mediate conflicts effectively.

Provide emotional support and guidance to families facing stress and challenges.

Assist with daily living tasks as needed, potentially including meal preparation or hygiene routines.

Monitor children’s safety and well-being, adhering to child protection protocols.

Provide support to clients and monitor client activity during shifts.

Support clients with breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on shift.

Assist in preparation and distribution of food, snacks, and resources to clients.

Advocacy and Empowerment Advocate for families within the shelter system and during interactions with external agencies.

Empower families to make informed decisions and take ownership of their goals.

Celebrate families’ successes and milestones.

Documentation and Reporting Maintain accurate records of resident interactions, including incidents, concerns, and progress reports.

Contribute to case management plans by providing updates on resident behavior and progress.

Safety and Security Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean and healthy environment within the shelter.

Respond to emergencies and ensure the safety of residents and  aware of fire safety procedures and evacuation plans.

Collaboration and Communication Collaborate effectively with case managers, social workers, and other shelter staff to provide holistic support to families.

Communicate clearly and respectfully with residents, respecting their privacy and confidentiality.

Additional Responsibilities May assist with shelter operations tasks such as intake procedures, meal distribution, or activity facilitation.

Regular attendance for scheduled relief shifts is a requirement of the position.

Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field plus 2+ years of relevant youth and family experience and/or training; or 5+ years of field or lived experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred experience working with homeless clients and in a shelter setting.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Language

Skills:

Ability to understand and interpret a variety of documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare clear and accurate reports and correspondence. Strong communication skills are essential to effectively engage with diverse individuals and groups. Bilingual…