Residential Counselor (Part-Time)

Why Children’s Services of Roxbury?

At Children’s Services of Roxbury, we’re not just offering a job - we’re offering a chance to be part of something bigger. Our mission is to bring peace of mind to children and families across Massachusetts. We foster a culture of trust, humility, and respect, where every team member is valued and supported. If you’re looking to make a real impact and grow with a team that strives to create a brighter future for children, this role is for you. 

 The Role

We are seeking a compassionate, mission-driven Residential Counselor to join our Roxbury and Dorchester teams. This essential and in-person position is scheduled Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the shift starting from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. 

 As a Residential Counselor, you will be a key stabilizing presence for families living in our congregate shelter – creating safety, offering support and helping families take steps towards long-term housing stability. You will welcome families to shelter, complete necessary paperwork, monitor, and document activity and respond thoughtfully to emerging needs.

 You’ll use strong communication, problem-solving, and crisis-intervention skills to maintain a supportive environment, document activity, and assist families with accessing resources and completing housing-related tasks. Effective communication with non-English-speaking residents (via Language Line) is essential.

Because this is a state-designated Essential Position, your on-site presence during weather-related closures and emergencies is vital to ensuring families remain safe and supported. Residential Counselors are the steady, reliable team members families depend on during uncertain moments. Attendance at supervision and staff meetings (monthly and as needed) helps ensure you feel prepared and connected in this important role.

 What You’ll Do

• Build positive, respectful, and welcoming relationships with families from diverse backgrounds. 
• Use solution-focused communication and trauma-informed approaches to support residents and resolve challenges (i.e., conflict resolution, crisis intervention, de-escalation, etc.)
• Support safety and structure through room/unit checks, hourly rounds, monitoring chores, and observing family needs and adherence to the shelter rules. 
• Facilitate smooth transitions during intake: welcome families, review rules, provide supplies, assess immediate needs and orient them to the neighborhood.
• Assess maintenance needs and submit maintenance requests. 
• Ensure strong shift-to-shift communication for effective service delivery.
• Assist with administrative and operational tasks including:
  1. Managing a safe, secure, and clean environment
  2. Answering phones and front doors
  3. Data entry and mail distribution
  4. Leading children’s activities
  5. Assisting with housing applications and related goals
  6. Connecting residents to local resources
• Communicate effectively with non-English-speaking residents using Language Line. 
• Attend supervision, staff meetings, and required trainings.
• Work on-site during weather-related and state emergencies.
• Work some holidays. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 What You’ll Bring:

• Written and verbal fluency in English is required.
• Ability to climb up to four flights of stairs while carrying supplies.
• Professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to stay calm in crisis situations and manage multiple priorities independently.
• Flexible and adaptable when working with a diverse population of women, men, and children experiencing homelessness.
• Demonstrated empathy when working with families.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (training provided if needed).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliability, punctuality, and readiness to begin each shift on time. 
• Competent in using the internet, computer systems, photocopiers, and telephones.
• Able to follow verbal and written instructions and maintain professional boundaries.
• Willingness to travel to other shelter sites as needed.

What We Offer

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer:

• Hourly Rate: $19 for the 3PM to 11PM shift
• Health and Wellness Benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and more for full-time employees.
• Professional Growth Opportunities, including online CEU courses and advancement pathways.
• Employee Discounts Program offering discounts on thousands of products and services.

At Children’s Services of Roxbury, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Children’s Services of Roxbury is an equal opportunity employer; we encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. If you are ready to become a part of something special, please apply today.