Lead Residential Counselor - Safety Net Shelter

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 Safety Net Shelter Program Manager, the Lead Residential Counselor oversees the care for youth housed in our 20-bed co-ed Shelter for 12-17-year-old youth. The Lead Residential Counselor provides direction and support to the residential counselor staff, as well as oversee daily operations in the functioning of the Safety Net Shelter by performing  the listed below essential duties and responsibilities. The Lead Residential Counselor will be the shift lead and point person for the team during that shift. Some awake overnight and weekend coverage may be required. The Lead Residential Counselor will be a part of an after-hours on-call rotation.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Point Person/Shift Lead for the Residential Counselors, providing on-shift guidance, support, and effective communication between direct service staff and the management team.
• Provide ongoing supervision and coaching to designated staff, including contributing input for performance evaluations and quarterly reviews.
• Conduct new employee training and onboarding during shadowing, ensuring staff are instructed on daily program policies and procedures across all shifts.
• Support the Program Manager with staff scheduling and coverage to maintain appropriate staff-to-youth ratios.
• Support initial Intake and Orientation processes, including screening and evaluation of new youth.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention support for youth (including phone and walk-in situations) and effectively mediate conflicts to ensure a stable environment.
• Provide direct emotional support and guidance to youth, conducting frequent monitoring and assessment of their safety, well-being, and activity during the shift.
• Oversee and manage medication administration, including accurate dispensing and documentation.
• Facilitate and supervise youth participation in recreational activities and outings (in collaboration with the Recreational Therapist), including providing transportation.
• Lead the weekly Resident Council Meeting to empower youth input, facilitate problem-solving, and communicate resident suggestions to management.
• Provide coaching on healthy and personal habits.
• Manage the distribution of allowance money.
• Collaborate effectively with Case Managers and other shelter staff to provide holistic support and contribute detailed updates on youth behavior and progress to case management plans.
• Maintain strict adherence to all Community Care Licensing (CCL) Title XXII regulations and requirements.
• Ensure the safety and security of the facility, proactively enforcing safety protocols, responding to emergencies, and ensuring all required fire and disaster drills are conducted monthly.
• Maintain a clean and healthy living environment by overseeing youth chore completion and assisting with general facility upkeep, while ensuring adequate and healthy food is available.
• Report all maintenance and safety issues immediately to the Facilities Manager and submit necessary work orders for facility and vehicle upkeep.
• Execute and maintain all program documentation, including proofreading Incident Reports, completing daily shift reports, inputting client data (AWARDS), and maintaining/auditing youth client files.
• Ensure the daily program schedule runs smoothly and complete weekly accounting reconciliation procedures.
• Participate in the Agency's Program Quality Improvement (PQI) activities, team meetings, and professional development training.
• Participate in the after-hours on-call rotation with management.
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A. B.S.) from four-year College/University or 2 years of equivalent working experience. Knowledge of needs of runaway youth and homeless youth, as well as experience working with culturally diverse youth required.
• Experience with Community Care Licensing (CCL) programs a huge plus!

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Current CPR and First Aid Certification required (or complete within 30 days of hire).
• Valid California driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance that can be used for company business.
• Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations. TB test required. 
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts as required for reporting. 
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Gmail and Google Suite experience desired. Internet research skills are a plus.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.  The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but may be loud when conducting direct services.

Salary Range:

$24.00 - $26.00 per hour.

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.