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JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE

GUILFORD No Freeze Crisis Counselor(Temporary)

SUPERVISOR

Director of Programs

JOB TYPE

Part-time STATUS:

Non-Exempt

HOURLY RATE

$21.50 The Beth-El Center's mission is to extend dignity and respect to all individuals and families while connecting them to housing, food and services within their communities. Our vision is to create a community where everyone is home, and all are fed! The Beth-El Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides support services and advocacy to those experiencing homelessness and hunger within the Greater Milford community. Through our 34-bed homeless shelter, food service programs, diversion services and outreach and engagement efforts, we offer individuals, families and veteran's long-term solutions to help them reclaim their lives.

JOB SUMMARY

The No Freeze Crisis Counselor supports the daily operations of Beth-El Center's Guilford No Freeze program, a seasonal, referral-based overnight program providing a safe and warm place for individuals experiencing homelessness during periods of cold weather. The program serves up to 20 participants referred through established community partners and referral processes. The Crisis Counselor is responsible for maintaining a safe, welcoming, and structured environment; supporting participants' immediate needs; monitoring participant well-being; maintaining accurate documentation; and communicating with program leadership and community partners as needed. Working within a Housing First, low-barrier, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed framework, the Crisis Counselor responds to participant needs with compassion, consistency, and appropriate boundaries. The position plays an important role in ensuring participants have access to safety and stability while supporting connections to housing, services, and other community resources.

PROGRAM MODEL

Beth-El Center's Guilford No Freeze program provides temporary overnight refuge during cold weather for up to 20 participants through a referral-based model. Participation is coordinated through established referral pathways rather than open walk-in admission. The program prioritizes safety, dignity, and access to a warm place to stay for individuals experiencing homelessness. Services are grounded in Housing First principles, low-barrier access, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care. Staff are expected to create an environment that is respectful, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of participants while maintaining appropriate program expectations and safety procedures. The Beth-El Center's No Freeze program provides a safe, warm overnight space for unsheltered neighbors during cold weather, operating from 7:00 PM-8:00 AM and grounded in Housing First, low-barrier, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed practice.

Staffing pattern:

6:00 PM-12:00 AM (two staff) and 12:00 AM-8:00 AM (one staff).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Advocates for the mission of the organization and upholds the agency's values
• Experience working with homeless or other disadvantaged population
• Requires knowledge and belief in "Housing First" philosophy and strategies
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.
• Demonstrate maturity, good judgment and ability to respond quickly & calmly in crisis situations and to follow directions
• Ability to interact with guests and build relationships with them while ensuring their needs are being met
• The ability to establish and set appropriate boundaries with guests served
• Delivers services with safety, respect and effectiveness. Utilize Harm Reduction model and Trauma Informed approach during delivery of services
• Strong communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and crisis intervention skills are required
• Able to organize daily activities of self and others and to work as a team player
• Able to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following: Welcome and orient referred participants to the program in a respectful, supportive, and professional manner. Verify participant referrals and confirm eligibility and available capacity in accordance with established program procedures. Maintain accurate participant attendance and occupancy records, ensuring the program does not exceed its capacity of 20 participants. Complete required intake documentation, releases of information, safety agreements, and other program forms as applicable. Communicate with program leadership regarding referral questions, capacity concerns, participant needs, and barriers to access. Protect participant confidentiality and ensure sensitive information is handled appropriately. Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and welcoming environment throughout each shift. Provide general supervision and support to participants while promoting dignity, respect, and personal autonomy. Help participants understand program expectations and access available resources. Monitor participant well-being and respond appropriately to emerging needs or concerns. Support connections to case management, housing resources, health services, and other community supports when appropriate. Apply program guidelines consistently while remaining responsive to individual circumstances and needs. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid practices that create unnecessary barriers to participation. Complete routine environmental and safety checks in accordance with program procedures. Maintain the safety and security of participants, staff, and the program environment. Respond promptly and professionally to emergencies, disturbances, medical concerns, and other safety issues. Use de-escalation techniques, harm-reduction principles, and trauma-informed communication when responding to challenging situations. Assess situations and seek supervisory guidance or emergency assistance, including contacting 911, when appropriate. Notify program leadership of significant incidents, participant concerns, or situations requiring follow-up. Complete incident reports and other required documentation in a timely and accurate manner. Follow established emergency procedures, including fire safety, evacuation, and other applicable protocols. Address substance use-related concerns through a behavioral-based, safety-focused approach consistent with Housing First and harm-reduction principles. Review shift notes, communication logs, and relevant program updates at the beginning of each shift. Maintain accurate and timely records of participant attendance, program activities, incidents, and other required information. Complete shift summaries and communicate relevant updates to program leadership and incoming staff. Document participant concerns, referrals, follow-up needs, and significant events in accordance with program procedures. Maintain confidentiality when documenting or communicating participant information. Report operational concerns, supply needs, maintenance issues, and potential safety hazards promptly. Work collaboratively with Beth-El Center staff, referral partners, and other community providers to support program operations. Attend required staff meetings, orientations, and trainings. Follow organizational policies, procedures, and applicable confidentiality requirements. Maintain a professional and respectful approach when interacting with participants, colleagues, and community partners. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Programs or Executive Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3 years of Human Services experience.

Beth-El Center, Inc. is an

Equal Opportunity Employer Pay:

$21.50 per hour Expected hours: 28.0 - 40.0 per week

Work Location:

In person