Residential Counselor

Residential Counselor (Full-Time)

Department: Property Management and Residential Support

Use your compassionate communication, decision making and customer services skills to make a difference in the lives of Opportunity Counsel's residential clients. Become a Residential Counselor in our supportive housing projects. Apply today

The Residential Counselor (RC) provides day-to-day support to tenants (Clients) and building operations in residential programs. Responsible for assisting clients living in supportive housing projects with their daily needs, with special emphasis on challenges related to severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders. Responsible for daily crisis management, client relationship management, and effective and safe daily building operations. Works closely with clients, program staff and other community providers to support tenants as they transition from homelessness to safe, secure, long-term housing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Interacts with clients in the general lobby and common areas, maintaining a positive and supportive environment.

2. Operates all functions in residential lobby, including checking visitors in and out, answering telephones and monitoring security systems.

3. Assists in the initiation, facilitation and promotion of on-site activities, outings and community meetings.

4. Maintains safety and security by monitoring all general access areas and enforcing project rules.

5. Intervenes in crises, respond to emergencies, and initiates action as required, including contact with emergency response systems.

6. Assists case management staff in engaging residents through creative, resourceful strategies that build trust and confidence.

7. Works cooperatively with case managers and other program and partner staff and assists staff in the coordination of services to residents.

8. Processes and maintains required paperwork and documentation, including daily residential activity logs.

9. Assists with other property management functions as assigned.

10. Accepts and processes food and meal donations from partner and community based non-profits.

11. Works with clients and program staff

12. Overnights and weekends may be required.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.

2. Completes special projects and other related duties as assigned.

to prepare community meals and assists clients with meal preparation as needed.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE PREFERED:

1. Some experience in human services, preferably experience with the issues of homelessness, mental illness and chemical dependency preferred.

2. High School Diploma or equivalent

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITILES REQUIRED:

1. Decision-making skills and ability to creatively problem solve using sound judgment.

2. Demonstrated ability to effectively and respectfully provide confidential services to diverse, low-income populations, including individuals and families in crisis situations.

3. Time management skills including the ability to work independently and prioritize with frequent interruptions.

4. Record keeping skills ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date, accurate, and accurate notes and client files.

5. Experience coordinating with other professionals and social service agencies.

6. Spanish/English bi-lingual skills preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to obtain and retain a WA state food worker card for length of employment.

Remote Work: This position does not include remote work.

Essential Employee: This position is not an essential employee.

Working Conditions: Work is generally performed in a fast-paced residential housing environment with frequent interruptions and often crisis situations. Majority of the work centers in direct services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness, and respect for clients from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds.

Benefits @ Opportunity Council

Opportunity Council offers the following benefits to eligible employees:

Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal holidays)

Paid time off for wellness needs

Employer-paid holidays (13 in 2023)

Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options

HSA and FSA, subject to plan terms

Eligibility for Critical Illness coverage

403(b) retirement plan (5% employer contribution)

Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents

Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage

Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care and personal legal services

Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. For over 50 years we have offered a broad scope of services that range from addressing immediate and crisis-oriented needs (food, emergency shelter, eviction-prevention) to longer-term programs that promote self-sufficiency in our community (early childhood education, home weatherization).