Float Residential Counselor at Bridge Over Troubled Water

The Residential Counselor (Float) will be responsible for engaging participants and managing the milieu in one of Bridge’s residential continuum of programs, which includes the Welcome Center (WC), Emergency Residence (ER), or Transitional Living Programs (TLP). Responsibilities will include planning and conducting a broad range of recreational and daily life activities to engage residents and maintain a safe, welcoming, and therapeutic community. The Residential Counselor (float) will be responsible for working a rotating schedule including the first shift (8am–4pm) and second shift (2pm–10pm). Shift assignments will change each month depending on where coverage is needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Resident Engagement: 

• Engage youth in conversation to develop rapport and encourage their participation in Bridge programs
• Monitor when residents are in or out of the program space; conduct regular rounds and checks of bedrooms and community areas to ensure youth safety.
• Ensure the program is clean, organized, and presentable.
• Redirect inappropriate conversation and behaviors from residents, as necessary.
• Create a welcome environment for residents (monitoring music/TV volume, lights, etc.) that is trauma informed and sensitive to the diverse groups of residents at Bridge.
• Answer the door, greet residents/visitors to the program, and answer the program phone.
• Monitor resident cooking; teach and model life skills related to using kitchen appliances

• Ensure that all activities, services, and programs at Bridge or organized by Bridge programs are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to and respectful of the cultural/ethnic diversity of all Bridge clients.
• Plan activities in the program and outings in the community with residents.
• Document all activities with Residents in ETO.
• Orient new youth to the program which includes giving a facility tour, filling out appropriate forms, and reviewing program policies and procedures.
• Provide residents with advocacy, referrals, and supportive counseling, as necessary.
• Assist in the development and implementation of appropriate service plans with residents.
• Monitor and ensure the safety of residents, implementing crisis intervention, as necessary. Includes deescalating modes of communication/ interaction to ensure resident safety, stability, mental status, and physical health. 

Administrative Management: 

• Attend and participate in all required program meetings including weekly supervision with Residential Coordinator and all staff meetings. 
• Daily facilities management, including meals set up and breakdown, bedrooms, etc.  
• Assist residents in maintaining household standards of cleanliness.  

• Maintain program statistics and client records.  
• Daily task management includes checking and responding to emails, performing daily tasks list, sending out daily sign out email, 9pm curfew check, and documenting resident log. 
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Comfort and confidence working in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.  
• Enthusiastic about working with homeless transitional youth population.  
• Ability to identify and execute effective problem-solving strategies. Must possess sound crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills.  
• Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships with residents, staff, co-workers, and supervisor. 
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and cultural groups.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 1- 2 years of experience working with youth ages 18-24 in one or more of the following areas: housing management, job development, community relations, substance abuse or recreational counseling. Can also include supervised internship experience.  
• Bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, or any related degree, strongly preferred  
• A valid driver's license requires a clean driving record. (No car required.) 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift fifteen pounds at times.  

COMPENSATION

The hourly rate for this role is set at $25.00 an hour.

BENEFITS

Bridge Over Troubled Waters offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Paid time off (sick time, vacation time, personal time) as well as 13 paid holidays and a birthday holiday
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(K) with 3% matching of contributions after one year of employment
• Employer sponsored flexible spending accounts, commuter pre-tax benefits, employer paid short-term disability, long term disability and life insurance

Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Inc.is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, cultural heritage, ancestry, political belief, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability or veteran status.

At Bridge Over Troubled Waters, we strive to create an accessible and inclusive application and selection process. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants who may require one to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment processes. Should you require an accommodation, please contact our Talent Acquisition team, by email at recruiter@bridgeotw.org and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.