Lead Residential Counselor

Overview

The Lead Residential Counselor (RC) is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Embry Rucker Community Shelter (ERCS) and Winter Seasonal program during their assigned shift. The Lead RC acts as the lead staff person on the shift, bearing ultimate responsibility for ensuring all essential responsibilities for shelter operations are carried out, and that services are equitable and delivered with integrity in accordance with the Agency Mission, Vision, and Values.

The Lead RC evaluates and addresses the individual needs of participants while maintaining the dignity and confidentiality of all guests, staff, and volunteers. The Lead RC coordinates and assists volunteers, maintains accurate documentation, and supports donors and community members by addressing their needs and concerns appropriately. The role requires strong interpersonal and motivational skills and a patient, trauma-informed approach to service delivery.

Duties are performed in a professional, timely manner in a fast-paced, high-demand environment. The ERCS serves both single adults and families with children. Bilingual English/Spanish and lived experience with housing instability are a plus.

• Establishes and maintains a working and residential environment that promotes mutual respect among staff, participants, volunteers, and the community.
• Interacts with participants in a positive, trauma-informed manner with a racial equity lens.
• Greets visitors and answers the phone in a welcoming and engaging manner.
• Completes shift documentation including shift notes, changeover updates, safety inspections, and perimeter checks.
• Provides support, problem resolution, and emergency crisis intervention and stabilization services for participants.
• Provides orientation to new participants to facilitate adaptation to the shelter environment.
• Supports and assists volunteers while they perform their duties.
• Monitors shelter activities and conducts changeover with incoming staff and outgoing staff; reads emails, shift logs, incident reports, and other documentation to stay up to date.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy of all identifying information concerning participants in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Serves as essential staff during inclement weather and other emergencies.
• Attends required staff meetings, retreats, and trainings.
• Performs physical tasks including unloading and stocking donations, distributing supplies, doing laundry, cleaning, and conducting grounds and dorm checks.
• Overnight shifts are awake; staff must remain alert and responsive.
• Ensures services are delivered in accordance with Agency Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Performs any other duties necessary to support the program and agency.

• Establishes a respectful environment among staff, participants, volunteers, and the community.
• Interacts with participants in a trauma-informed, respectful manner using a racial equity lens.
• Completes comprehensive shift documentation and maintains accurate records.
• Provides crisis intervention and stabilization services as needed.
• Provides orientation to new participants and supports volunteers.
• Maintains up-to-date information through read of emails, logs, and incident reports.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Performs essential duties during emergencies and inclement weather.
• Attends required meetings, trainings, and participates in program operations.
• Supports staff in task completion and ensures smooth shift transitions.

• Starts shift with a pass-down from the previous Shift Lead, reviews shift summaries and critical incidents, conducts a huddle, and completes rounds, safety inspections, and inventory checks.
• Provides oversight and guidance for Residential Counselors on the assigned shift.
• Completes and signs off on special documentation, including critical incident reports and case file documentation.
• Reviews and signs off on No Trespass and Suspension notices from the shift.
• Completes medication monitoring training and reviews med logs for accuracy.
• Contacts management during…