• Tuition Assistance Program
• Generous paid time off (Including 5 Self-Care Days/Floating Holidays, 12 Sick Days, 15 Vacation Days, and 11 Holidays)
• Healthcare Plans (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Pet Care)
• 403(b) Plan (GSS contributes 3% of your salary to your 403(b) plan after 3 years of service, with contributions increasing over time)

We are looking for a dynamic and compassionate Independent Living Counselor who as a member of a multidisciplinary team, the responsibility of the Independent Living Counselor is to provide a safe and secure environment and dynamic life skills programming for the Chelsea Foyer residents. The Chelsea Foyer is an innovative 40-bed residential and vocational program for young adults who are preparing to transition into independent living once gaining job training, employment, educational and life-skills competencies.

Reports To: RHY COORDINATOR, The Chelsea Foyer

Location: 202-212 West 24th Street, New York, New York 10011

Hours: 40 Hours/Week; Non-Exempt

Major Duties:

• Be able to work shifts by oneself as scheduled on evening, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
• While on the shift alone, or with other staff, be able to work through emergencies, which place the participants and other staff members at risk. Such emergencies include but are not limited to fires, gas leaks, earthquakes, power loss, city wide emergencies, etc. This work includes communicating with security, staff and residents what the emergency is and what actions need to be taken. Evacuating all 5 residential floors (40 units total) including the shared spaces on the main floor and the cellar. Assisting security with identifying that all participants and staff have been evacuated to the proper emergency meeting points.
• Work with security staff to ensure that only appropriate visitors remain in the residence during designated visitation hours assuring the safety of residents.
• Work as primary counselor for approximately 8 Chelsea Foyer residents.
• Be available to escort residents to appointments pertaining to the action plan, i.e. housing, employment, education, health
• In partnership with the case manager, insure that residents are meeting the expectations of their contract and support them as they develop life and work skills.
• In partnership with the case manager, identify appropriate resources to assist young people transitioning to independent living.
• Complete assessments regarding the residents’ life skills and work readiness.
• Ensure residents compliance with all programs policies and procedures.
• Diffuse potential crisis situations and take appropriate action in resolving crises.
• Assist in the development of the Independent Living Curriculum, facilitating twice monthly life skills workshops, and recreational activities.
• Participate in regularly scheduled program fire drills with other staff. This requires having to climb five flights of stairs to ensure the evacuation of all 40 units and shared spaces.
• Attend appropriate program and supervisory meetings as required.
• Regularly communicate with the Program Coordinator and all other Chelsea Foyer team members.
• Responsible for keeping progress notes on the program database ETO (Efforts to Outcomes) as well as any contract specific documentation in a timely manner.
• Complete a written transitional report for each shift and be actively involved in shift transition.
• Complete weekly apartment inspections for cleanliness and documenting the progress in ETO.
• Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar), and self care in the department/program to create a non violent and trauma sensitive culture.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non violent and trauma sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model S.E.L.F (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an effective work environment.
• All other duties as specified.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or Equivalency. Bachelor’s degree preferred plus one or more years experience working in a residential setting.
• Must have a clear understanding of the needs of young adults experiencing homelessness and a sensitivity to ethnic and cultural differences, and an understanding of the needs of the LGBTQ community.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength based, youth and family development and trauma informed perspective.
• Excellent crisis intervention, advocacy and problem solving skills.
• Must be able to communicate clearly and advocate on behalf of residents.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to maintain required documentation.
• Must be able to provide first aid.
• Flexible hours to insure access and availability, including weekends and evenings.