Program Counselor

Job Title: Program Counselor

Reports To: Program Manager

Department: Simonka Place

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Shift: Full-time; weekdays, with some evenings and weekends as needed

PAY:$21.73 per hour

About this Role

The Program Counselor is a key ministry position within the UGM Simonka Place New Life Fellowship Program, combining relational ministry, lay counseling, discipleship, and spiritual mentorship to support women and children experiencing homelessness and crisis.

The New Life Fellowship Program is first and foremost a Christ-centered ministry focused on meeting the practical, emotional, relational, and spiritual needs of homeless women and children while guiding them toward lasting life transformation through the grace of Jesus Christ. The individual serving in this role must possess a mature and growing relationship with Jesus Christ and demonstrate the ability to disciple and mentor guests toward a deeper relationship with Him. This includes helping guests discover their identity in Christ while learning to live in healthy, safe, grace-filled Christian community.

Guided by UGM's core values of being Christ-centered, guest-focused, and community-connected, the Program Counselor helps cultivate a program culture marked by unity, acceptance, accountability, grace, and spiritual growth through authentic relationships, encouragement, mentorship, and servant leadership.

What this role looks like

-          Builds trusting, authentic relationships with guests by being approachable, honest and emotionally safe.

-          Lives transparently and with integrity, serving as an open book who invites guests into healthy Christian community and discipleship.

-          Encourages and guides guests in learning how to live a Christ-centered life through example, prayer, biblical encouragement accountability, and daily interactions.

-          Walks alongside guests with compassion, grace, and truth while supporting their recovery, personal growth, and spiritual development.

-          Creates an environment where guests feel seen, valued, heard and supported in their healing journey.

-          Models healthy communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, and Christlike character in all interactions.

-          Helps guests connect daily life, recovery, and decision-making to Biblical principles and spiritual maturity.

-          Maintains a posture of servant leadership by meeting guests where they are while encouraging progress, responsibility and hope.

What we're looking for

-          Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to manage crisis situations.

-          Excellent organizational and administrative skills including understanding of program development and implementation.

-          Demonstrates an ability to conduct biblically based recovery counseling.

-          Demonstrates an ability to lead/disciple program participants in Biblical truth having a strong Scriptural Foundation. 

-          Able to demonstrate grace and compassion even in the midst of conflict.

-          Active involvement in a local Christian church consistent with UGM's statement of faith and core values.

-          Intermediate computer skills, including the use of basic Microsoft Office applications.

-          Valid Oregon State Driver's License.