Resource Counselor – Adult Shelter

The Opportunity:

Imagine being part of a company where effort creates hope and opportunity. For 50 years, Homeward Bound of Marin has helped individuals and families experiencing homelessness find their path to housing and stability with the goal of ending homelessness in Marin County. Bring your passion for service, and we’ll support you with 100% paid health benefits, growth opportunities, and a workplace focused on case management and connection.

We’re looking for a Resource Counselor to join our adult shelter team and support individuals experiencing homelessness as they work to secure housing, build stability, and advance toward self-sufficiency. In this role, you will support residents, foster a safe and respectful environment, and help keep programs running smoothly while delivering short- and long-term case management, supportive services, and access to job training and placement opportunities. Through consistent, onsite support, you’ll play a key role in ensuring residents feel supported, seen, and genuinely set up for long-term success.

The Ideal Candidate:

At the heart of our work is the mission of “Opening Doors to Safety, Dignity, Hope, and Independence.” We’re looking for someone who brings compassion, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to supporting personal growth, and who thrives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is mission-driven and well-versed in shelter and homeless services, with the ability to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a team. You take thoughtful initiatives, engage others with professionalism and empathy, and build strong working relationships with people from diverse lived experiences.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required.

Qualifications and Abilities:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
• Experience in Human Services or related fields.
• Working knowledge of community-based resources.
• Experience working with under-resourced and low-income populations, providing respectful and professional support in a customer service role.
• Prior experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness is strongly preferred, as well as a genuine interest in helping people achieve housing stability and end homelessness.
• Working knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed care, mental health considerations, de-escalation practices, and Housing First policies and procedures to help maintain a safe and supportive shelter environment.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in residential and/or housing programs.
• Experience using MS Windows and Office 365 applications.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ensure confidentiality standards and maintain professional boundaries in all interactions with program participants.
• Demonstrate the ability to seek feedback, ask questions, and apply constructive suggestions.
• Efficient in handling multiple tasks simultaneously and making quick, informed decisions in fast paced environments.
• Ability to interact with residents in a compassionate, flexible, and respectful manner, maintaining professionalism in all interactions.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries and set limits.
• Prior experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness is strongly preferred, as well as a genuine interest in helping people achieve housing stability and end homelessness.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and use a computer mouse, keyboard, and monitor for moderate periods of time (1 – 3 hours per day).
• Ability to stoop, crouch, kneel, or crawl occasionally.
• Ability to lift or move objects up to 40 pounds.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with facilitating regular activities onsite that support housing focused programming.
• Communicate concerns and observations to shelter program manager and case managers for matters related to residents as well as facility issues as they arise.
• Completes Incident Reports as needed and document daily activities in the communication log.
• Facilitate maintenance needs in collaboration with shelter program manager and maintenance crew.
• Maintain a working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to ensure a safe work environment for participants and all personnel. Alert supervisors in case of emergency.
• Manages shelter intake calls, coordinates weekly intake scheduling with supervisors, and completes all required paperwork at intake while reviewing policies and procedures with incoming residents.
• Advocates for the mission of the organization and upholds the agency’s values.
• Ensure residents feel safe, supported, and that their needs are heard and understood.
• Take necessary actions to promote a supportive community environment.
• Provides overall support to the program while making observations and providing constructive feedback that benefits the work of the supportive staff onsite.
• Regularly assess resident needs, especially through active engagement, and offer any needed assistance.
• Become familiar with all residents and proactively assist with conflict management, mediation, or de-escalation.
• Complete all agency logs.
• Complete incident reports to program manager, program director, senior program director, and chief program officer within six hours.
• Participate in staff meetings and any weekly/monthly trainings identified by the supervisor.
• Coordinates, updates, and oversee the weekly responsibility schedule by monitoring client participation, ensuring completion of assigned chores, and assisting with task as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned

Relationships:

• Establish and maintain open and collaborative relationships with colleagues.
• Greet, communicate, and treat all program participants with respect, dignity, kindness, and an attitude of service.
• Uphold strict confidentiality regarding all program participants.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, team members, volunteers, and program participants.

Culture:

• Enthusiasm for working in a mission driven environment with individuals with previous experiences of homelessness.
• Commitment to ending homelessness and working effectively with diverse populations.
• Sense of humor and ability to contribute to a positive, respectful workplace culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Homeward Bound is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. It has always been and continues to be Homeward Bound’s policy that employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. We encourage applicants of justice backgrounds to apply for any open position for which they feel qualified.

Competitive Benefits:

• 100% Employer-Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Discretionary 403B match
• 2 weeks of vacation
• 13 paid holidays
• 12 sick days annually
• Employee Assistance Program
• Comprehensive list provided at offer

To Apply:
Send resumes to careers@hbofm.org with the position in the subject line.

*$23-$25 per hour DOE with a competitive benefits package which includes 100% employer paid medical, vision and dental insurance, 2 weeks’ vacation, and access to a 403b retirement plan. Under California law, Homeward Bound is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary or hourly rate outside of the range posted in this job announcement.  This range considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decision including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. Salary and hourly rate offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.