Counselor – Shelter Program/RHY

St. Anne Institute

Job Description

1. TITLE:                                    Counselor – Shelter Program/RHY

1. SUPERVISOR:                       Program Manager/Program Director – Shelter Program/RHY and

Respite Services

1. HOURS PER WEEK:             20-40; includes days, afternoons, evenings and weekends

1. QUALIFICATIONS:              Associates of Human Services preferred; High School Diploma/GED

required. Lived experience with Human Service/Child Welfare Systems a plus. Valid driver’s license.

1. REQUIREMENTS:                Must be able to meet written, physical and life space interview                                                                testing standards as outlined by therapeutic crisis interventions                                                                curriculum

1. FUNCTIONS:                         To create a safe and secure environment, helping residents gain self-

control and develop positive social skills.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement agency practices including policies, procedures, shelter routine and expectations, as directed by the Shelter Program Manager/Program Director.
• Ensure a clean, safe, therapeutic and healthy environment within the shelter program.
• Complete the intake/admissions process for all potential shelter residents.
• Provide supervision of shelter residents, ensuring opportunities to teach and role model, during all aspects of agency programming.
• Facilitate group meetings and activities, both on and off campus, including outings.
• Transport youth in the authorized St. Anne Institute van to medical services or appointments to increase their sense of health, well-being and safety.
• Foster appropriate adult/child relationships; maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Use open, honest, effective, professional communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Use Harm-Reduction, Positive Youth Development (PYD), Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Trauma-Informed care as the philosophical foundation of interventions and strategies.
• Ensure assigned paperwork is thorough and accurate.
• Attend training in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and use the techniques to prevent and intervene in crisis situations, which may include physical intervention when needed. Attend all other required trainings.
• Attend and contribute to all scheduled meetings including monthly staff meetings, staff development meetings, in-service meetings, and other meetings as directed by the Shelter Program Manager/Program Director.
• Attend community meetings with service providers, schools, homelessness coalitions or wherever the interests of RHY can be discussed.
• Maintain relationships with law enforcement, health providers, churches, schools, shelters, or any other group that may provide services or referrals.
• Abide by the NYS Justice Center and the SAI Codes of Conduct/Ethics
• Perform any additional responsibilities as assigned
• This position may work across all direct care programs to accommodate fluctuations in staffing