Job Overview
Compensation
Hourly
Range $24.00 - $28.00
Benefits
4 weeks accrued paid time off
14 paid holidays per year
Paid health insurance
Paid dental insurance
Paid vision insurance
Voluntary life insurance plans
flexible spending accounts
401(k) retirement plan
Employee assistance program
Upward Career Mobility
Discounts and savings
Job Description
Bill Wilson Center is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services to children, youth, young adults, and families in Santa Clara County. Since 1973, the center has been a vital resource for runaway and homeless youth, offering essential support through various programs that emphasize housing, mental health care, advocacy, and community-based supportive services. The Bill Wilson Center operates with a strong commitment to a strength-based philosophy, focusing on empowering individuals and families to become healthy and self-sufficient adults. The organization places great importance on inclusivity and community collaboration, ensuring access to a wide range of resources and support mechanisms to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
The role of Lead Residential Counselor within the Family Shelter Services at Bill Wilson Center is pivotal in maintaining the day-to-day operations and delivering frontline support to families residing in the shelter. Reporting to the Shelter Manager, the Lead Residential Counselor acts as the shift lead and key point of contact for the residential counselor team during their shift, which includes day, swing, and overnight schedules. This position demands an individual with strong leadership abilities, compassion, and conflict resolution skills to oversee shelter activities, supervise residents and staff, and ensure the shelter operates smoothly and safely.
As a Lead Residential Counselor, you will be responsible for supervising fellow counselors, supporting families through various challenges, and fostering a respectful and peaceful environment within the shelter. Your duties will range from managing resident interactions, mediation of conflicts, and monitoring compliance with house rules to providing emotional support and assisting with daily living activities for families in need. In addition, this role requires active collaboration with case managers and social workers to ensure holistic support and advocacy for the families served. The Lead Residential Counselor will also handle critical documentation, incident reporting, and upholding safety protocols within the facility.
Engaging in ongoing professional development and actively contributing to program quality improvement initiatives are vital aspects of this role. Bill Wilson Center seeks candidates with strong interpersonal and communication skills, preferably bilingual in English and Spanish or Vietnamese, well-versed in trauma-informed care, and able to work flexibly within a dynamic shelter environment. The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $24.00 to $28.00 and includes a full benefits package for full-time employees. This includes four weeks of accrued paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive health and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) retirement plan, employee assistance programs, and opportunities for career growth.
Joining Bill Wilson Center as a Lead Residential Counselor means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable families and children. You will have the rewarding experience of supporting families through critical transitional phases while playing a key role in the operational success of the shelter. Your work will directly impact the wellbeing and safety of families experiencing homelessness, helping to create stable environments where they can rebuild and thrive. If you are committed to advocacy, community service, and possess the necessary skills and experience, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a noble cause in a supportive and empowering work environment.
The role of Lead Residential Counselor within the Family Shelter Services at Bill Wilson Center is pivotal in maintaining the day-to-day operations and delivering frontline support to families residing in the shelter. Reporting to the Shelter Manager, the Lead Residential Counselor acts as the shift lead and key point of contact for the residential counselor team during their shift, which includes day, swing, and overnight schedules. This position demands an individual with strong leadership abilities, compassion, and conflict resolution skills to oversee shelter activities, supervise residents and staff, and ensure the shelter operates smoothly and safely.
As a Lead Residential Counselor, you will be responsible for supervising fellow counselors, supporting families through various challenges, and fostering a respectful and peaceful environment within the shelter. Your duties will range from managing resident interactions, mediation of conflicts, and monitoring compliance with house rules to providing emotional support and assisting with daily living activities for families in need. In addition, this role requires active collaboration with case managers and social workers to ensure holistic support and advocacy for the families served. The Lead Residential Counselor will also handle critical documentation, incident reporting, and upholding safety protocols within the facility.
Engaging in ongoing professional development and actively contributing to program quality improvement initiatives are vital aspects of this role. Bill Wilson Center seeks candidates with strong interpersonal and communication skills, preferably bilingual in English and Spanish or Vietnamese, well-versed in trauma-informed care, and able to work flexibly within a dynamic shelter environment. The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $24.00 to $28.00 and includes a full benefits package for full-time employees. This includes four weeks of accrued paid time off, paid holidays, comprehensive health and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) retirement plan, employee assistance programs, and opportunities for career growth.
Joining Bill Wilson Center as a Lead Residential Counselor means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable families and children. You will have the rewarding experience of supporting families through critical transitional phases while playing a key role in the operational success of the shelter. Your work will directly impact the wellbeing and safety of families experiencing homelessness, helping to create stable environments where they can rebuild and thrive. If you are committed to advocacy, community service, and possess the necessary skills and experience, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a noble cause in a supportive and empowering work environment.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience
- 2+ years of relevant experience or 5+ years of lived experience
- Current CPR and First Aid certification or ability to complete within 30 days
- Valid California driver’s license with insured personal vehicle
- Background check and fingerprinting as required
- TB test clearance
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to manage stressful situations
- Willingness to work flexible shifts including day, swing, and overnight
- Ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality
- Regular attendance
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
Job Qualifications
- B.A. in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field plus 2+ years of relevant youth and family experience and/or training
- 5+ years of field experience/lived experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Preferred experience working with homeless clients and in a shelter setting
- Strong communication skills
- Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese) are highly valued and encouraged
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification required or ability to complete within 30 days of hire
- Valid California driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance
- Ability to understand and interpret a variety of documents and prepare accurate reports
- Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts as required for reporting
- Ability to solve practical problems and address real-world situations
- Familiarity with internet, spreadsheet, and word processing software with willingness to learn
- Commitment to trauma-informed care principles
Job Duties
- Supervise the team on shift
- Be point person for the Residential Counselors on shift and provide support and guidance
- Supervise families residing in the shelter, ensuring adherence to house rules and promoting a peaceful environment
- Respond to resident concerns and mediate conflicts effectively
- Provide emotional support and guidance to families facing stress and challenges
- Assist with daily living tasks as needed, potentially including meal preparation or hygiene routines
- Monitor children’s safety and well-being, adhering to child protection protocols
- Provide supports to clients and monitor client activity during shifts
- Support clients with breakfast, lunch, and dinner while on shift
- Support in preparation and distribution of food, snacks and resources to clients
- Advocate for families within the shelter system and during interactions with external agencies
- Empower families to make informed decisions and take ownership of their goals
- Celebrate families' successes and milestones
- Maintain accurate records of resident interactions, including incidents, concerns, and progress reports
- Support with incident reports and maintain up to date communication amongst leaders from within shifts
- Contribute to case management plans by providing updates on resident behavior and progress
- Enforce safety protocols and maintain a clean and healthy environment within the shelter
- Respond to emergencies and ensure the safety of residents and staff
- Be aware of fire safety procedures and evacuation plans
- Collaborate effectively with case managers, social workers, and other shelter staff to provide holistic support to families
- Be point person for Residential Counselors and provide accurate and effective communication between shift leads, managers and Directors
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with residents, respecting their privacy and confidentiality
- May assist with shelter operations tasks like intake procedures, meal distribution, or activity facilitation
- Attend training opportunities to stay updated on best practices in shelter management and trauma-informed care
- Participate in team meetings and provide feedback on shelter services
- Regular attendance is a requirement of the position
- Participate in agency Program Quality Improvement activities and initiatives
- Other duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
Your Profile Is Visible To Hiring Managers Across OysterLink.
We'll match you with best jobs
Get job offers faster
Search For More Opportunities:
How Candidates Get Hired Faster
Apply to 2–3 similar roles
Complete profile & get best matches
Check new opportunities daily
