Residential Counselor (Weekends) - Domestic Violence Shelter

Equinox is a non-profit human services organization in the Capital Region.

For more than 40 years, Equinox has reached out to people who need us most with innovative and effective programs that truly change lives, allowing us to fulfill our purpose of helping those we serve move forward on their paths to recovery, healing, and independence.

Equinox is Albany County’s primary provider of services for victims of domestic violence. Our Domestic Violence Programs provide safety for victims of Domestic Violence, including the elderly, and offer the support, assistance and tools they need to escape abusive situations and take control of their lives. Domestic Violence Services are available to all victims and their dependent children, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Position Summary: The Residential Counselor is responsible for supervision of the shelter on the weekends, providing crisis intervention and supportive listening to residents; overseeing group and recreational activities; answering the 24-hour crisis line; and maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Interact with residents in a positive and productive manner. Provide emotional support and model’s consistent respect.
• Assist residents to meet their daily needs. Ensure clients have personal care items needed.
• Resolve any client issues and shelter concerns.
• Enforce program policies and procedures and monitor resident compliance.
• Answer 24-hour crisis line, providing supportive listening, crisis intervention, information, referral and shelter intakes.
• Oversee scheduled programming on shift and participate in recreational activities.
• Conduct intakes and shelter orientation with new residents.
• Coordinates and may prepare resident meals.
• Perform light housekeeping duties as assigned.
• Respond to emergency situations in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Enter relevant notations in logs and case notes, ensure all information is documented in ALICE database, as well as communicate the information to other staff.
• Maintain security of shelter.
• Attend staff, supervision and other meeting as required.
• Report suspected cases of child abuse/maltreatment as a mandated reporter.
• Ability to model Crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to provide objective supportive listening and guidance.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Ability to model calm and cooperative behavior.
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks in an organized manner.
• Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality and engage with a diverse population.
• Demonstrate group meal preparation skills, basic household maintenance skills and group facilitation skills.
• Act in accordance with Equinox mission.
• Complete other tasks and responsibilities to ensure smooth running of the shelter.

Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to negotiate stairs.
• Ability to lift and carry minimum of 25 pounds.
• Ability to handle basic facility emergencies.
• Ability to drive and transport clients with agency vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have a clean, valid NYS Driver License.
• One-year human services experience. (Bachelor’s Degree will be substituted in lieu of experience requirement.)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree in related field.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or an additional language
• Prior residential experience.
• Prior experience working with domestic violence, substance abuse or mental health populations.

Schedule

• Saturday and Sunday (Additional $1.00 Shift Differential)
• Alternating Weekends

Equinox, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.