Awake Overnight Counselor - LaGrange

Salary Range: $21.73 per hour - $23.91 per hour

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Homelessness is a public health, social and racial justice issue!

Since 1984, St. Francis House has committed itself to healing the wounds of those impacted by an inequitable society and breaking down the barriers, including systemic racism that prevent all people from living lives of dignity.

St. Francis House is the State’s largest provider of day services supporting people who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. Located in the heart of downtown Boston, we compassionately welcome nearly 500+ adults through our doors every day who are seeking a safe and dignified refuge and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Our holistic approach allows us to deepen our impact by offering integrated programing that helps our guests achieve stability in the areas of housing, income, and behavioral health. Joining our team would provide for you a dynamic opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team of providers dedicated to solving this public health crisis.

An extensive Benefits package! Up to 90% of individual insurance premiums paid for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care health insurance & Atlus dental insurance, 4 weeks of vacation and 13 holidays recognized per year, employer – paid life & disability insurance, a vested 403b retirement with 5% match, and much more!

Job Summary:

The Awake Overnight Counselor ensures the safety, stability, and well-being of residents residing in the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. This position provides overnight supervision, crisis response, and documentation to maintain a secure and supportive residential environment for individuals transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.

This role is essential to maintaining 24-hour coverage, promoting housing stability, and supporting the agency’s commitment to Housing First and trauma-informed care principles.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintain awake and alert overnight presence 
• Conduct routine building rounds and safety checks.
• Monitor building access and enforce program policies.
• Respond to emergencies, inform housing staff on call and contact first responders as necessary.
• Provide de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Address resident concerns and conflicts.
• Support a calm, respectful, and structured living environment.
• Promote community standards consistent with permanent housing expectations.
• Complete overnight shift logs and incident reports.
• Document resident interactions in compliance with agency standards.
• Communicate critical updates to the daytime case management team.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Highly reliable, proactive, independent, and consistent.
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing, Housing First, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Patient and adaptable approach to supporting change; able to recognize strengths/barriers and create holistic, person-centered plans.
• Skilled at engaging and supporting diverse individuals, including those with CORI/SORI and behavioral health needs.
• Strong communication, advocacy, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and attention to detail.
• Competent with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic understanding of and commitment to taking a person-centered, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approach.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor’s degree in human services field preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, or substance use challenges required
• Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and remain awake throughout shift.
• Basic computer proficiency and report writing skills.
• CPR/First Aid certified (or willing to obtain).
• Driver’s license and reliable transportation strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in English required; bilingual in Spanish preferred.

If you are Ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of others, please complete our application process. 

SFH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices and to fostering a workplace where all employees are respected, supported, and able to grow. In support of our mission, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including those with lived experience of homelessness or recovery and those who have faced barriers to employment. We value the range of experiences and perspectives that strengthen our work in the community.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.

 This job description is subject to change and does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign

duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.