Relief Residential Counselor - Young Adult Shelter

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 its inception in 1973, the center has been a vital resource for runaway and homeless youth, offering support through various programs focused on housing, mental health care, advocacy, and supportive services. Bill Wilson Center connects with clients not only through physical service locations but also via street outreach and crisis line programs, ensuring that help reaches those in most need wherever they may be. The core philosophy of the organization emphasizes a strength-based approach, aiming to empower young people to become healthy, self-sufficient adults by addressing their unique challenges and leveraging their strengths.

Working at Bill Wilson Center means becoming part of a caring and committed team that values inclusivity, resilience, and community collaboration. The center is committed to ensuring every youth has access to a spectrum of services vital for their growth and well-being. Employees are provided a supportive work environment that focuses on trauma-informed, client-centered care to address the complex needs of homeless and at-risk youth and young adults.

The Relief Residential Counselor position, under the guidance of the Director and Program Manager of the Drop-In Center and YAS Respite young adult shelters, plays a crucial role in directly supporting young adults experiencing homelessness. This role includes overseeing the overnight respite program within the Drop-In Center, where creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment is paramount. Counselors provide direct care by assisting residents with evening and nighttime routines such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, and ensuring a peaceful transition to bed. The position demands a compassionate, patient, and effective communicator who can work closely with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds, build rapport, and provide stability during a vulnerable period in their lives.

This is a part-time or relief position with shifts primarily covering evening and nighttime hours, including weekends, reflecting the need for flexibility and commitment to the resident youths’ well-being beyond regular business hours. The Relief Residential Counselor is expected to assist with maintaining program safety, emergency protocols, and documentation, ensuring all efforts align with the center’s mission and values. The role also involves crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, and giving voice to the needs and rights of homeless youth at both local and state advocacy levels. Beyond the immediate care duties, the position encourages ongoing professional development including maintaining certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and crisis intervention training.

Bill Wilson Center offers a competitive hourly wage of $27.00 and a generous benefits package to full-time employees, including paid time off, paid holidays, health and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans. This opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about social work, youth advocacy, and making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. By joining Bill Wilson Center, you become part of a legacy committed to community service and youth empowerment.