Part-Time Day Time Youth Counselor

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

Youth Counselors are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the housing program and the direct care of residents during 8 hour shifts. Youth Counselors create and supervise a physically and psychologically safe and affirming environment for residents, 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Provide a physically and psychologically safe, clean, and secure homelike environment.

Complete hourly site walk throughs to check in with residents and ensure the site is secure.

- Complete daily chores as needed.

- De-escalate and regularly check in on issues between residents.

- Maintain a safe, respectful, hospitable, and professional atmosphere.

- Provide individual and group support to residents as needed.

- Facilitate groups or activities.

- Prepare and supervise meals. (This is required in the Emergency Housing program.)

- Use trauma informed care practices to uphold and support program policies and ensure consistency in the delivery of services.

- Document daily services, maintain client charts, progress notes, and group notes.

Complete daily individual and group progress notes.

- Communicate necessary resident updates to program supervisors and residents care teams (Case Manager, Therapist, Health Counselor) as needed, in a timely manner.

- Communicate with Operations, IT, and Facilities as needed.

- Attend weekly mandatory staff meetings and training.

- Attend regular supervision, at least twice per month.

SCHEDULES

- Position 1: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM

- Position 2: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM

- Position 3: Saturday, Sunday & Monday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

- High School Diploma or equivalent

- Experience working with adolescents and/or young adults

- Ability & willingness to work weekends, holidays, overnight shifts and flexible schedules as required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth and/or young adults

- Experience working with youth or young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability

- Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQIA+/homeless population is helpful

- Familiarity with trauma-informed care and harm-reduction approaches

- Experience providing crisis intervention, de-escalation or conflict mediation

- Bilingual or multilingual skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

- Ability to remain awake for the entire shift duration

- Ability and willingness to work across different sites, flexible hours, weekends and holidays; may include overnight shifts

CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

AFC Core Competencies (examples)

- 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 (examples)

- 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 the treatment team, IT & Facilities and program supervisors

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

- Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate documentation and manage multiple tasks effectively

- Awareness and understanding of the cultural and social issues affecting LGBTQIA+ and unhoused youth

- Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts among youth and between youth and staff

- Maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary environment by handling trash removal, cleaning surfaces, food storage areas, computer areas, bathrooms, sinks, and floors.+

BENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDS

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- 401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)

- Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

- Professional Development Opportunities

- Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture

Thank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications.

Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.