Respite Residential Counselor

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 of the Program Manager Drop In Center, the Residential Counselor cares for young adults, establishing a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for homeless street youth receiving services by performing the following duties and responsibilities within the Vision, Mission and Agency Values of BWC in the Drop In Center respite overnight.The Respite Residential Counselor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program, establishing a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for homeless street youth receiving services by performing the following duties and responsibilities within the Vision, Mission and Agency Values of BWC.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists with mental health and prevention services including individual, group and community activities for the 24/7 Drop In Center.
• Serves as an appropriate role model for youth.
• Completes documentation regarding client issues/progress timely and accurately.
• Ensuring safety of youth.
• Provides a safe place for youth to come and rest through the night.
• Making sure youth are not leaving respite in the middle of the night and returning.
• Regular cleaning of Laundry linen, towels, bedding, and the areas where youth rest at.
• Must be able to communicate effectively, get along with coworkers, clients and management and deal effectively and professionally under pressure.
• Providing a structure for youth (nightly routine).
• Attend agency meetings as appropriate.
• Complete a nightly report on youth staying in respite (youth observations).
• Maintains statistics and records as required – data entry of program statistics.
• Positions are overnight and require flexibility of schedule.
• Ensure that DIC site is neat and tidy and report all maintenance or safety issues to manger or Facilities Manager immediately.
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
• Other duties as may be assigned by Director.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent. Experience working with homeless and culturally diverse youth required. Knowledge of needs of runaway, homeless and street youth. Availability in the evenings and on weekends is requirement for the position. Experience working with culturally diverse youth required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience in case management, social services, or a related field, preferably working with transitional-aged youth (TAY).
• Knowledge of housing services, community resources, and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, client-centered environment.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (e.g., at a desk or computer) for extended periods.
• Frequently moves throughout the facility to engage with clients, staff, and resources.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry supplies or materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to assist with light cleaning and organizing tasks within the Drop-In Center.
• Ability to operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
• May occasionally be exposed to various weather conditions while working with clients in outreach or community settings.
• Must be able to respond quickly to emergency situations or client needs, which may include standing, walking, or moving quickly.

Work Environment:

• Primarily based in a Drop-In Center setting, which may be fast-paced and require flexibility in responding to client needs.
• Regular interaction with clients who may be in crisis or experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use.
• Collaborative team environment that involves daily communication and coordination with staff, partners, and external service providers.
• Noise level may vary from quiet (in office spaces) to moderate or loud (in common areas of the Drop-In Center).
• Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• The organization is committed to maintaining a safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered workplace.
• Documentation of overnight reports.
• Monitor and ensure the safety and well-being of clients at all times.
• Respond to crises or emergency situations following established procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of shelter facilities, laundry, and common areas.

Salary Range:

$24.00 - $25.00 per hour/year.

Employee Benefits & Perks:

We offer a generous compensation package for full-time employees that includes the following:

• 4 Weeks Accrued PTO
• 14 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Paid Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Life Insurance Plans
• Flexible Spending Plans for Medical, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
• 401 (K) Retirement Plan
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Upward Career Mobility
• Discounts and Savings through Tickets At Work and LifeMart

EEO:

Bill Wilson Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.