About the Role
The part-time Residential Counselor (RC) plays a vital role in supporting the work of our Community Advocates (Case Managers), functioning as an integral part of the residential support team. The RC is dedicated to providing compassionate support to survivors while utilizing the voluntary service model, ensuring that everyone receives the care and assistance they need. In addition to direct support, the RC also contributes to facilities support, helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. This role is not a clinical position but is essential in fostering a supportive and nurturing atmosphere within our residential programs. The ideal part-time RC candidate will have availability on weekday mornings, Monday - Friday.
About My Sister’s Place
My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the district's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP is unique in offering a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional-to-permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.
What You’ll Be Doing
Safety and Security
- Maintain building safety and monitor security cameras.
- Respond to emergencies by calling 911 and notifying on-call personnel.
- Serve as emergency personnel during inclement weather and shelter emergencies.
- Report suspected abuse or neglect to city agencies as a mandated reporter.
Facility and Maintenance
- Conduct hourly walkthroughs to check for and address maintenance, security, and cleanliness issues.
- Ensure staff coverage before leaving your post and conduct shift handovers.
- Maintain cleanliness of common areas and manage supplies.
- Report maintenance requests to the Facilities Manager.
Resident and Visitor Support
- Manage shelter entry and greet visitors, maintenance personnel, and volunteers professionally.
- Answer phones, safety plan with survivors, provide referrals, and complete assessments.
- Document calls and provide requested items to survivors.
- Problem-solve with survivors and contact social workers or on-call personnel for urgent issues.
Program and Activity Support
- Assist case manager and invite survivors to participate in group activities.
- Be present in the dining room during mealtimes to provide support.
- Assist with meal setup, cleanup, and food storage.
- Help with management of the hotline - answering calls, providing support and resources, and ensuring proper documentation.
- Assist with admission and prepare rooms for new residents.
Administrative Duties
- Document shift activities and communicate with staff about shelter issues.
- Attend staff meetings and trainings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Women’s Studies, Psychology, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum two years’ experience in a shelter facility.
- Knowledge of domestic violence.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong interpersonal, assessment, written, and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals.
- Skilled in handling sensitive issues and maintaining confidentiality.
- Proficient in computer use.
What We're Looking For
At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:
- Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
- Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
- Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
- Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
- Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek a team member who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.
My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 32 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
Schedule:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20009
