Floater Youth Counselor

Ali Forney Center

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION 

The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Floater Youth Counselor is responsible for filling open schedule needs across AFC programs to support daily operations and provide direct care to residents and clients. 

Youth Counselors create and supervise a physically and psychologically safe and affirming environment for residents and clients, helping them meet their needs and progress on their goals. Youth Counselors provide individual support and group programming and oversee the functioning of the site. Youth Counselors must be organized, able to work and solve problems independently and communicate effectively with supervisors 

Floater Youth Counselors are required to fill open schedules across programs and travel between sites as needed. AFC may cover some travel needs, for example, if needing to travel after the start of a shift.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Resident Support & Engagement 

• Provide trauma-informed, strengths-based support to residents 
• Build positive, professional relationships with residents while maintaining appropriate boundaries 
• Monitor resident safety and well-being throughout each shift 
• Assist residents in accessing services and community resources
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation efforts as needed
• Encourage resident participation in programming and community activities 

Program Operations 

• Maintain appropriate staff coverage across assigned housing programs 
• Conduct room checks, safety rounds, wellness checks and other required program duties
• Assist with resident move ins, move outs and daily program operations 
• Ensure compliance with Housing Program policies and procedures 
• Maintain clean, safe and welcoming program environments 

Documentation 

• Complete timely, accurate and objective documentation 
• Document resident interactions, incidents and shift activities in accordance with agency standards 
• Review communication logs and program updates at the beginning of each shift 
• Communicate pertinent information to oncoming staff and leadership 

Cross-Program Support 

• Adapt quickly to different housing programs and operational environments
• Follow site-specific procedures while maintaining consistent Standards of Care 
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams across programs 
• Support staffing needs across the Housing Department

Qualifications and Benefits

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with adolescent/young adult population required 
• Knowledge of psychosocial needs of LGBTQ/homeless population is helpful 
• Must be highly organized and able to work independently
• Ability and willingness to work at different sites across NYC 
• Ability to remain awake for the entire shift duration 
• Ability to walk up at least 3 flights of stairs each hour to complete walk-throughs 
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Transgender and gender non confirming people are encourage to apply
• Strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and social justice
• Persons with lived experience 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed across multiple AFC Housing Programs, including emergency and transitional housing settings 
• Floater Youth Counselors work a fixed full-time schedule (evening or overnight); work locations may change based on operational needs
• Employees may be reassigned to another housing program during a shift, with transportation provided by AFC 
• The role requires frequent walking, standing, climbing stairs, responding to crises and the ability to adapt to changing environments while providing resident-centered services. 
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CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Thank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications .

Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.