Residential Counselor for Emergency Shelter

Residential Counselor for Emergency Shelter

Residential Counselor for Emergency Shelter

(Full Time, non-exempt)

About Us:

ATASK is the only multilingual and multicultural domestic violence organization in Massachusetts dedicated to serving the Asian and Pacific Islander community. Our culturally specific services, offered in over 20 Asian languages, include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, case management and advocacy, legal consultation and representation, and English classes.

For over 30 years, ATASK has been at the forefront of empowering Asian survivors of domestic violence and abuse to rebuild their lives. Our work bridges language and cultural gaps for Asian communities and advocates for social change.

Position Summary: ATASK is in search of a passionate and dedicated individual to join our Housing team as a Residential Counselor, which is comprised of the Emergency Shelter and the Transitional Housing Programs serving clients throughout Massachusetts and occasionally bordering states. The programs provide shelter and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence. The Emergency Shelter operates 24 hours a day. The position is based out of our Emergency Shelter in Boston.

The ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate for victims, survivors and their children and will work as a team member of ATASK to provide comprehensive services to the Asian and general community.

ATASK’s mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence and abuse to rebuild their lives.

Hours: Overnight Shifts from 8pm to 8am / Day Shifts from 8am to 8pm on Weekday, Weekend and Holiday shifts are available, and are assigned in collaboration with the Shelter Co- Manager. Full-time position entails committing to three 12-hour shifts each week.

Reports to: Shelter Co- Manager

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answer ATASK’s 24-hour hotline
• Assist residents with everyday basic needs
• Be available to residents when needed
• Provide emotional support to residents
• Manage crisis situations and resolve conflicts/issues
• Foster and develop relationships with residents to build a strong sense of community
• Comprehensively understand and enforce shelter rules, protocols, and procedures
• Possess a clear understanding of Shelter staff and CBS Advocate’s roles – provide support, information and referrals to residents, coordinate and collaborate on services with CBS Advocates, and facilitate communications between residents and other direct services staff
• Report in writing and communicate with Manager of Residential Services when issues arise
• Assist with move-ins and move-outs of residents, including preparation and cleaning of their assigned bedroom and kitchen space.
• Give shelter tours to new residents and assist them in settling in
• Perform other duties as required within appropriate time frames according to daily log and assignments
• Ensure security of the house and conduct walk-throughs periodically
• Maintain confidential records and shift logs
• Enforce and oversee community cleaning/chores with residents
• Attend monthly staff meetings and scheduled supervision meetings
• Maintain cleanliness of the house
• Address maintenance issues when possible, and report maintenance issues that were not resolved
• Staff are permitted to sleep during overnight shifts when all the tasks are completed, and are expected to wake up to answer the 24‑hour hotline and respond to needs of residents when needed
• Assist in distributing donations and other items to clients when necessary
• Coordinate and initiate in-house activities with families

*Job description duties are not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required by the employer.

Qualification, Strengths, and Skills

• S. diploma or equivalent
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Experience working in a residential facility and/or with domestic violence survivors
• Ability to prioritize and multitask
• Conversational ability in an Asian language beneficial, but not required
• Flexible schedule to work additional shifts when needed
• Complete state-required 25‑hour Domestic Violence Training provided by the agency
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Pass CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check
• Commitment to ATASK mission of empowerment of survivors of domestic violence and abuse to rebuild their lives.

*Due to the nature of responsibilities, this role requires coming into the shelter in person. Because of COVID-19, there are several safety measures in place including periodic testing, use of PPE and adherence to CDC guidelines*

Salary: $19 / hour

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. ATASK is not able to provide visa sponsorship at this time and therefore applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

The Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages women, survivors, immigrants and refugees, people of color, LGBQ/T individuals, and people with disabilities to apply. It is ATASK’s policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender, genetic information, natural origin, disability, veteran status, or on basis of any other legally protected category.