Emergency Residence Program Counselor

The YMCA of Newark is seeking Part Time Counselors, preferably Bilingual (English/Spanish), for the Emergency Residence Program (Shelter) which offers a range of programs to keep families and individuals strong during periods of crisis. Counselors are responsible to ensure that all activities on the residents’ floors run safely and smoothly according to the implemented policies and procedures. The YMCA’s recruitment process includes comprehensive background screening including pre-employment drug test and criminal background check and upon hire, wide range of training.

Summary of Essential Functions:

• Conduct emergency intake requests. 
• Ensure that the clients feel welcome and comfortable during the intake process.
• Provide information, crisis counseling, shelter screenings and referrals over the phone.
• Provide shelter residents with information and advocacy concerning social services, housing and/or legal information.
• Assist Case Managers to ensure that all Residents are entered into the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Tollo Data Base in a timely manner with a high level of accuracy.
• Assist the Intake Supervisor to ensure that all new intake information has been received to enter in HMIS and Tollo Data Base.
• Document observations in the shelter log and residents case files.
• Complete daily log sheets providing all required information concerning activities during shift.
• Report maintenance failure to supervisor. 
• Notify supervisor immediately when unusual cases, irregularities, accidents, fires, or illnesses occur and complete incident reports according to the implemented procedures.
• Maintain Daily Logbook and report all incidents to proper department authority such as Case Manager, Senior Counselor, Intake Supervisor, Senior Director of Housing. 
• Bag and Tag the exited residents’ rooms to ensure rooms are clean and ready for use.
• Perform (2) two room checks during each eight (8) hour shift.
• Monitor the residents’ entrance and exit to and from the floors. 
• Ensure all rooms, bathrooms and living areas are kept clean and neat. 
• Provide residents access to lock areas such as rooms, refrigerators, kitchen, etc. as needed.
• Transport residents as needed to locations such as Welfare office, meetings, or medical appointments, or to pick up food from food banks in accordance with Newark YMCA Transportation Policy.
• Assist Case Managers and Activity Specialists with special events and activities. 
• Attend staff meetings and any scheduled training sessions as required.
• Maintain a safe work environment, free of clutter, debris and hazardous conditions and ensure cleanliness of facility.
• Provide excellent customer service and care for all including but not limited to internal and external customers /members/ residents/ visitors/ clients/ patrons/ vendors/ suppliers/ members of public/volunteers/staff.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
• Perform such other job-related duties as may be periodically assigned by the Supervisor.
• Adhere to Abuse Risk Management policies:
  • Adhere to policies related to boundaries with program participants.
  • Attend required abuse risk management training.
  • Adhere to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising program participants.
  • Report suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
  • Follow mandated abuse reporting requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum High School graduate.
• Minimum two years of experience working with GA (General Assistance)/AFDC (Assistance to Families with Dependent Children) clients.
• Sufficient computer skills. Ability to learn new systems including Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) and Tollo Data Base.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills.
• Sufficient administrative skills.
• Excellent Human Relations skills .
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of constituents in a professional manner, displaying tact and diplomacy when needed.
• Ability to work on Holidays.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability required. 
• CPR/AED certification required (or must be obtained within 60 days of hire).
• New Jersey valid Driver’s license and safe driving record required.

Vacant Shifts: 12:00AM - 8:00AM and 4:00PM - 12:00AM  Weekdays and Weekends

Part Time Employees require to work minimum 2 to 4 Shifts Per Week

This is an opportunity to impact the communities we serve and make a long-lasting and positive difference in the lives of others who need support!

• The YMCA of Newark and Vicinity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Upon request, reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on the Y’s business, in accordance with applicable laws.