Associate Counselor Jobs in Schenectady, NY (NOW HIRING)

Equinox is a non-profit human services organization in the Capital Region.

For more than 40 years, Equinox has reached out to people who need us most with innovative and effective programs that truly change lives, allowing us to fulfill our purpose of helping those we serve move forward on their paths to recovery, healing, and independence. 

Equinox is Albany County’s primary provider of services for victims of domestic violence. Our Domestic Violence Programs provide safety for victims of Domestic Violence, including the elderly, and offer the support, assistance and tools they need to escape abusive situations and take control of their lives. Domestic Violence Services are available to all victims and their dependent children, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

Position Summary:  The Residential Counselor Supervisor is responsible for assisting residents with their daily needs; providing crisis intervention and supportive listening to residents; answering the 24-hour crisis line; various administrative duties and maintaining a safe and secure environment. Supervises other full-time and part-time Residential Counselors and respite staff, as well as scheduling shelter coverage.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Interact with residents in a positive and productive manner. 
• Assist residents to meet their daily needs. 
• Answer 24 hour crisis line, providing supportive listening, crisis intervention, information and referral and shelter intakes. 
• Scheduling client counseling appointments. 
• Enforce program policies and procedures and monitor resident compliance.
• Maintain administrative responsibilities as assigned by shelter manager.
• Supervises and evaluates program residential counselors.
• Respond to emergency situations in an appropriate and timely manner. 
• Schedules shelter coverage to ensure adequate staffing.
• Enter relevant notations in logs and case notes, communicate information to other staff.
• Trains program residential counselors in shelter procedures.
• Conduct intakes and shelter orientation with new residents. 
• Maintain security of shelter. 
• Attend staff, supervision and other meeting as required. 
• Assists in the recruitment and hiring of program residential counselors.
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse/maltreatment as a mandated reporter.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Ability to model calm and cooperative behavior and us crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to engage with a diverse population.
• Ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks in an organized manner. 
• Ability to maintain strict client confidentiality.
• Group meal preparation, basic household maintenance, group facilitation.
• Ability to promote positive production performance from residential counselor team.  
• Ability to provide objective supportive listening and guidance.
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely.
• Complete other assigned duties for the enhancement and continuation of programming.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to negotiate stairs
• Ability to drive and transport clients with agency vehicles.
• Ability to lift and carry minimum of 25 pounds.
• Must be able to answer telephone. 
• Must be able to handle facility emergencies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree.
• Must have a clean, valid NYS Driver's License. 
• Must have at least 2 years human services experience.
• Must have at least 1 year with a domestic violence program.
• Minimum of 1 year of residential experience.
• Knowledge of Domestic violence dynamics; local resources, crime victims compensation, NYSOCFS domestic violence regulations

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Bachelors Degree.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or additional language. 

Schedule: 

• Monday through Friday.
• On-call responsibilities.
• Additional coverage of shifts that varies based on the needs of the program, which may include overtime, evenings, overnights, weekend shifts and/or holidays

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Paid Time off, paid holidays, a fantastic Employee Assistance Program through CapitalEAP, Group-Term Life Insurance, Short -Term Disability and much more! 

Equinox, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.