DREAMCATCHER YOUTH SERVICES
A Program of Covenant House California

Job Description for Bi-lingual Shelter Counselor

As our direct care staff work with youth that are 13 - 18 years old, we require that applicants are at least 21 years old.

Since 2000, DreamCatcher Youth Services has been the only safe landing for homeless and trafficked at-risk youth in Alameda County who are between the ages of 13-18. DreamCatcher’s comprehensive constellation of programs is designed to serve these youth by connecting them to stable housing, consistent resources, community and peer supports. Over 90% of youth have been through DreamCatcher have moved directly into stable housing, further education or employment.

We believe that basic needs must be met for the work of healing to begin. We are trauma-informed, youth-positive, and strength-based, using a low barrier, harm reduction model. We understand that a core need of all youth is for connection and from the first point of contact, building a trustworthy relationship is our focus. Over a third of our staff are graduates of our program who returned as adults wanting to give back for all they received, for the ways their lives changed.

DreamCatcher provides emergency shelter, a support center where youth can access a community supper, crisis counseling, case management, laundry facilities, hygiene supplies, transportation, computers, academic support, employment referrals, medical clinic, recreation and advocacy, as well as outreach to runaway and homeless youth ages 13-18 throughout Alameda County.

We are seeking qualified applicants to become a part of an exciting and dynamic organization that makes a difference in the lives of homeless and trafficked youth. Applicants that have experience working with youth that have experienced homelessness, who have traumatic histories, identify as LGBTQ, are gender non-conforming and/or who often face multiple issues and have complex needs. Applicants with knowledge and/or experience working with youth development programs, utilizing a harm reduction framework, using trauma informed practices and will value working with a multi-disciplinary team to create a safe inclusive environment would be highly preferred.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision and support of the Shelter Coordinator, the Shelter Counselor provides staffing in shelter, responsibilities and duties include:

• Maintain a safe and nurturing environment for sheltered youth.
• Engage with youth with support, warmth and in service to their needs in the program.
• Conduct intake interviews as requested.
• Participate as a team member and provide clear communication with teammates as well as management and support staff.
• Prepare and provide meals to resident youth.
• Ensure a clean well-ordered environment at all times.
• Maintain records and complete reports requested by Supervisor.
• Maintain communication with case management team, supervisor and coworkers.
• Provide daily documentation as required.
• Participate in ongoing training opportunities provided to continually increase skill and knowledge base in the field.
• Share responsibility for 24-hour telephone services for shelter.
• Ensure that facility is in compliance with all local, state and federal program regulations.
• Perform other duties as requested by Supervisor.

Part-Time position, 29 hours per week maximum.

SALARY RANGE: $20.50 per hour

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma preferred, will consider relevant work experience in lieu of diploma.
• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience providing services to homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with culturally and sexually diverse populations.
• Able to work independently and in conjunction with a team.
• Background clearance, including fingerprinting for the Department of Justice and FBI is required.

DreamCatcher does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

DreamCatcher is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.