OPPORTUNITIES

Position: Counselor

Department: Housing

Reports To: Director of Housing

Location: 720 E. 79th Street

FLSA Code: Exempt

Hours: 40 hours per week

General Accountability:

The Counselor will work with young clients aged between 18 to 24 and their families that are currently experiencing homelessness. The counselor will be responsible for overseeing clients enrolled in our Transitional Housing, Rapid Rehousing, and Permanent Support Housing programs. Many of which have experienced child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, parental substance abuse, or family conflicts that have led to youth homelessness. He/she will counsel individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health. He/she will help individuals deal with thoughts of suicide, addictions and substance abuse; family parenting and martial problem; stress management; problems with self-esteem; and issues associated with aging and mental and emotional health.

Specific Accountabilities:

· Counsel clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes. Maintains confidentiality of records relating to client’s treatment.

· Guides clients in the development of skills and strategies to deal with their problems. Encourages clients to express their feelings and to discuss what is happening in their lives and helps them develop insight into themselves and their relationships.

· Collects information about clients through interviews, observations, and tests. Prepare and maintain treatment records and reports.

· Evaluates clients physical or mental condition based on review of client information. Develops and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge. Acts as a client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.

Required Skills Abilities:

· Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

· Knowledge of principals, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

· Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, and cultures and their history and origins.

· Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customers and personal services.

Education and Experience:

· A bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling or a related field is required. Master’s degree preferred.

· Appropriate state credentials and licensing required

Work Environment:

The typical work environment is in an office setting.