Overview
No Freeze Crisis Counselor Jobs in Milford, CT at Beth-El Center, Inc.
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
Title: No Freeze Crisis Counselor
Company: Beth-El Center, Inc.
Location: Milford, CT
Category:
