JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE

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 provides daily supervision, reporting and support services to guests in a low barrier facility that promotes a Housing First philosophy; primary responsibility is to facilitate an emotional and physical environment conducive to enhancing positive guest morale and stabilization by ensuring the security and safety of the facility; maintaining appropriate records in addition to ongoing written and verbal communication with the case manager and supervisor in relationship to daily guest activities; support and encourage guests in achieving goals outlined in their housing plans.

PROGRAM MODEL

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:

• Admissions & Capacity (7:00-8:00 PM) - Admit guests beginning at 7:00 PM; manage first-come, first-served cots (up to dining-room capacity) and provide overflow chairs so no one is turned away.
• Complete required intake docs for new guests (HMIS

ROI, GNH CAN

Intake, No Freeze Safety Agreement).

• Conduct required bag checks upon entry in a respectful, safety-focused manner consistent with policy.
• Environment, Services & Rules
• Set up, monitor, and clean up evening refreshments (8:00-9:00 PM) and light breakfast (6:30-7:30 AM); guests do not enter the commercial kitchen.
• Manage shower access: 15-minute showers from 8:00-11:00 PM only; mornings are by the daily RC shower program, not No Freeze. After each shower, ensure bathrooms are cleaned and supplies used appropriately.
• Assign and verify chores; ensure completion before 8:00 AM or prior to early departure. Maintain cleanliness with provided supplies.
• Supervise smoke breaks every 30 minutes (5 minutes each) from 8:00-11:00 PM; accompany guests, prevent leaving property, and note that AM re-entry is not permitted once discharged.
• Ensure guests remain within the program, and that no one leaves the dining room after 11:00 PM.
• Conduct hourly rounds, including bathrooms; document in the logbook.
• Respond immediately and professionally to safety/security issues inside or just outside the facility; use harm-reduction, de-escalation, and clear communication; contact on-call/911 as needed; complete incident reports for medical/police or serious events.
• Apply program expectations consistently and respectfully in line with low-barrier practice.
• Maintain proper supervision and order within the shelter during the work shift
• Review events of the previous shift by reading the Daily Logbook at the beginning of work shift & discuss with case manager.
• Make hourly entries in the No Freeze Daily Log and send shift-summary emails to program leadership after every shift; sign in/out on the attendance sheet and complete all forms by 8:30 AM.
• Review prior notes and provide a thorough shift handoff, highlighting incidents, capacity, referrals, and follow-ups needed.
• Ensure guests are complying with program guidelines and procedures
• Maintain security of shelter and safety of all guests by: o Provide immediate and professional response to any security/safety emergency or disturbance within or immediately outside facility o Handling any crisis situations in a calm manner & communicating with supervisor(s) for guidance and/or direction.

o Evaluate and respond to substance use using Housing First principles through a behavioral based model o Issue warnings to guests as needed; notify the appropriate Case Manager in writing o Conduct and record monthly fire drills

• Complete all necessary paperwork (ex: noting curfew violations, logbook entries, extension forms, medication logs, etc.).
• Give wake-up call for all guests and supervise chores as assigned
• Distribute & supervise recording of guest medications, according to protocol procedures.
• Discuss issues/days' events with next person coming on shift noting any special situations that may apply
• Attend mandatory trainings and staff meetings
• Other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and/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 per week

Work Location:

In person