Fill-in Counselor

The Homeless Services Bureau of the Boston Public Health Commission operates two emergency shelters: Woods-Mullen Shelter and Southampton Street Shelter. Both shelters operate 24 hours a day 365 days a year and provide guests with a bed, linens, showers, three meals, case managers, and a number of community and housing resources to move beyond shelter to stable housing. Beds are given out daily on a first-come, first-served basis.

Woods Mullen Shelter
The Woods Mullen Shelter is located at 794 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston's South End and serves women ages 18 years or older.

Southampton Street Shelter
The Southampton Street Shelter is located at 112 Southampton Street in the Newmarket district of the South End and serves men ages 18 years or older.

Duties vary from site to site. Variable hours, scheduled as needed - no set schedule or guarantee of hours. The following is a list of some of the responsibilities that a Fill-In Counselor may have through the course of employment.

With assistance from permanent staff, Fill In Counselors:

• Ensure overall safety of clients and environment.
• Respond to emergencies and crisis situations according to appropriate policy.
• Assist in monitoring the daily operation of program/shelter.
• Distribute and collect linen, monitor meals and perform rounds.
• Assist clients with daily living tasks as needed and/or requested.
• Perform various administrative tasks such as maintaining accurate records (bed registers, bar slips, log notes, answering phones, relaying messages and information).
• Transport clients and staff during scheduled shuttle trips following the authorized driver guidelines. Certain programs may require transport of clients to various activities and appointments when authorized and where appropriate.
• Search clients for contraband upon arrival at site.
• Develop positive professional relationships with clients to facilitate care.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly the most vulnerable. The BPHC envisions a thriving Boston where all residents live healthy, fulfilling lives free of racism, poverty, violence, and other systems of oppression. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of antiracism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

Qualifications 

• Associate Degree or High School Diploma/GED and one year of related experience.
• Experience working with substance abusing clients preferred.
• Experience working with diverse ethnic, racial and economic populations required.
• Prior experience working with homeless and mentally ill clients helpful.
• Able to follow directions and work harmoniously with staff and guests.
• Computer literacy a plus.
• Strong written and verbal skills required.
• Homeless Services is a 24-hour operation; punctuality, professionalism, and respect for guests and staff are expected.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Valid, active Massachusetts (MA) driver's license and good driving record required. Applicants who do not possess a valid MA driver's license are eligible for hire but must obtain a valid, active MA driver's license within the first six (6) months of employment and thereafter maintain such license as conditions of employment.