Lead Residential Counselor

Established as a community non-profit in 1972, The Center provides targeted programs and services to the full diversity of the San Diego LGBTQ community. The mission of The Center is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities for the betterment of our entire San Diego region. Our vision is to create a Center and Center culture where every person feels and knows that they are welcomed, valued, and supported. As the beacon for our regional LGBTQ community, we actively recommit to being a more vibrant, bold, innovative, safe, and modern center each day than the day before. The Center is sex-positive and provides advocacy and critical health and social support services to support our community members through all stages of life, focusing on our deeply held values of equity, social justice, and client-centered, trauma-informed care. The Center currently has over 75 staff working at five facilities across San Diego County.

Reporting to the Youth Housing Manager, the Lead Residential Counselor supervises operations at The Center's emergency shelter, Safe STAY Wellness Center, serving transitional-age youth (ages 18–24). This role includes staff supervision and development shelter staff, maintaining a safe and supportive environment, and ensuring continuous care for youth residents. The ideal candidate is trauma-informed, youth-centered, and committed to creating an affirming space that meets the physical, emotional, and health-related needs of all residents.

• →Maintain an active staff presence during assigned shifts, including awake overnight coverage, to ensure consistent supervision and support.
• →Coordinate staffing schedules and collaborate with the Youth Housing Manager to secure timely and reliable shift coverage during staff absences or schedule changes.
• →Conduct routine safety checks, respond effectively to emergencies and crises using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques and ensure timely and thorough completion of incident reports.
• →Ensure supplies are stocked and reordered as needed.
• →Support the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding of new program staff to maintain a skilled and mission-aligned team.
• →Ensure the facility remains clean, organized, and safe, and report any maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• →Maintain regular communication with supportive services staff to coordinate care, address challenges, and support each youth's individual needs.
• →Foster a collaborative, respectful, and professional environment through strong relationships with youth participants and team members.
• →Ensure strict adherence to shelter policies, procedures, and program standards in alignment with best practices and organizational values.

• Education and/or Experience:
• A minimum of one year of direct experience working with LGBTQ+ youth, individuals living with HIV, and/or communities of color is required.
• Proven experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, understanding their unique challenges and needs.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying strength-based, trauma-informed, and positive youth development approaches to effectively support and empower youth.
• Must be able and willing to work awake overnight shifts, providing consistent support and supervision during critical hours
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, adjusting plans and actions as needed to meet shifting demands.
• Proven leadership capabilities with the ability to take initiative, manage responsibilities independently, and make critical decisions in real-time.
• Other Qualifications: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage and de-escalate crisis situations with compassion and professionalism.
• Flexible Scheduling: Must be able to adapt to a flexible, overnight work schedule to meet the needs of the program and youth residents

• Education and/or Experience:
• Two years of direct experience working with transitional-age youth in shelter, residential, or youth service settings.
• Familiarity with the unique needs of youth with lived experience in the foster care and/or juvenile justice systems.
• Formal training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and positive youth development approaches.
• Proficiency in using electronic recordkeeping systems, including client management software or case documentation tools.

• Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.

The San Diego LGBT Community Center is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.