Senior Youth Counselor

Organization Overview

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides comprehensive services including housing, healthcare, and educational support to over 2,000 youth annually. AFC's mission is to create an affirming and supportive environment where LGBTQ youth can thrive.

Position Summary

The Senior Residential Youth Counselor provides direct peer support to Youth Counselors and ensures housing environments remain physically and psychologically safe, secure, affirming, and stocked with food and necessary supplies. Senior Youth Counselors support residents through individual and group programming and ensure resident needs and concerns are communicated to housing leadership and resident care teams in a timely manner. Senior Youth Counselors support fellow Youth Counselors and the site by ensuring work orders are submitted to IT and facilities teams, food and supply orders are completed, and conducting follow up as needed. Senior Youth Counselors also provide shift coverage as required within their designated shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate group activities that achieve the learning objectives set by the housing leadership.
• Manage site inventory (food, supplies, COVID trackers).
  • Order food and supplies for the housing site.

• Deliver metrocards, petty cash, and supplies to housing sites.

• Submit facilities/IT work orders and manage the food and supply vendor accounts (Amazon, GrubHub, etc.)
• Ensure residents are connected to services and engaging with their care team, including Case Managers, Mental Health Specialists, Health Counselors, and Career Readiness.
• Attend Treatment Team Meetings and Clinical Treatment Meetings; communicate updates and concerns to the housing team regarding residents.
• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping, including:
  • Client charts
  • Site log books
  • Incident reports (submission to PTS)
  • Incident report, fire drill, invoices, and group note binders
  • Incentives and consequences tracker
  • Resident metrocards and check requests
• Complete housing intakes and orientation with incoming residents.
• Conduct on-site training with incoming Youth Counselors.
• Provide peer support to Youth Counselors to answer frequently asked questions.
• Lead monthly Youth Counselor peer support groups.
• Supervise Resident Advisors.
• Facilitate day-to-day crisis management and de-escalation among residents.
• Attend regular staff meetings, including Mandatory In-Service, Resident Advisory Board, Case Conference, Operations Team Meeting, Teambuilding, and Training.
• Attend weekly supervision.

Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to lead and mentor Youth Counselors, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with residents, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational skills to manage inventory, maintain accurate records, and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Problem-Solving: Proficiency in identifying problems and developing effective solutions independently.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with the housing leadership, care team, and other departments.
• Crisis Management: Skill in handling emergencies and managing crises with calmness and efficiency.
• Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, providing compassionate support to residents.
• Cultural Competency: Awareness and understanding of the cultural and social issues affecting LGBTQ and homeless youth.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and handle various tasks within the housing environment.
• Training and Development: Capability to conduct training sessions and support the professional development of Youth Counselors.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace.
• Ability to navigate and utilize online ordering systems for supplies and food.
• Strong written communication skills for documentation and report writing.
• Basic knowledge of IT troubleshooting and the ability to submit and follow up on work orders.
• Familiarity with crisis management tools and de-escalation techniques.

Qualifications Needed

• Must be highly organized and able to work independently.
• Experience working with adolescent/young adult populations, especially within LGBTQ and homeless communities.
• Knowledge of psychosocial needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ and homeless youth.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to provide empathetic support.
• Ability to handle crises calmly and effectively, utilizing appropriate de-escalation techniques.

Bilingual (Spanish) speaking encouraged to apply. Transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.

Salary : $24