Organization

The Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA) is a Christian non-profit organization that has been serving the less fortunate in Southern California through emergency and long-term rehabilitation services since 1972. RMA partners with local churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people we serve. The Lighthouse for Women & Children provides a complete continuum of care specifically tailored to the needs of homeless women and women with children by offering shelter, intervention, substance abuse recovery, case management, education, life skills development, vocational training, employment and transitional housing.

Summary

The Counselor is a source of both biblical and practical support and guidance to the clients of the Lighthouse for Women and Children including counseling, teaching biblically-based classes and assistance to graduation. This is a regular part-time, non-exempt position located in Oxnard, CA, reporting to the Program Manager. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Meet with assigned guests for a minimum of one hour each week for counsel, guidance, prayer, and accountability.
• Act as a hub for all information concerning the guests under your care.
• Serve as a liaison between guests and other organizations as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate client documentation and other pertinent paperwork/reports.
• Assist program guests to achieve goals as outlined in their individual programs.
• Accurately complete job assignments, agency forms, and written documents within assigned deadlines.

• Presents and explains the Gospel to assigned guests, ensuring they understand the message completely, and recognizing God alone is responsible for the outcome.
• Promotes the physical, spiritual, emotional, personal, educational, and vocational welfare of the program guests in Gospel context.
• Performs intake interviews for program candidates, as needed.
• Maintains guest caseload with regular one-on-one counseling, oversight of client program progress, oversight of clients medical, court and family related issues.
• Writes reports and keeps accurate records of client interaction.
• Serves with a Christ-like character at all times, demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit in all interactions with clients and guests (“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control” Gal. 5:22-23).
• Keeps Program Manager and other staff informed of any problems or potential problems, including drug use and any other discipline issues.
• Conducts routine room inspections and searches.
• Communicates truth and practices integrity in all matters.
• Conducts self in a safe manner at all times and helps maintain a safe working environment at all times.
• Implements and follows up on safety reports, inspections, and meetings.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Participation in spiritual and theological training as assigned by the Program Manager.

• Other duties as assigned by Program Manager.

• A "Servant Leader" in actual everyday situations in alignment with RMA’s Lead Like Jesus commitment and Mission/Vision/Values.

• Promote RMA Safety Program and in alignment with the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and Smith Systems policies and procedures, model safe work practices.

Qualifications

• Two years of rescue ministry or equivalent experience.

• Must possess at least a two-year or preferably a four-year related college degree or equivalent.

• A solid Bible based Christian faith, compatible with RMA’s Statement of Faith and an active member of an Evangelical church.

• Must have compatible theology with RMA core values.
• Some formal biblical training, college or seminary preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license and insurable under RMA.

Skills

• Must be able to effectively multi-task, be a team player, have good communication skills and have strong listening skills.

• Excellent people skills; with proven ability to encourage and motivate others. To love, encourage and guide clients.
• Counseling based on Biblical truths and practical tools.
• Teachable spirit and willingness to submit to leadership.
• Self-motivated, exhibiting responsibility, maturity, integrity and dependability.
• Committed to team participation.
• Must be effective in working with staff within the facility.
• Genuine burden to have people come to Christ and to have their needs alleviated.
• Must be an initiator who can work under deadlines.
• Able to teach program classes

Software

• Must be proficient in Windows, Microsoft Word, and Excel.

Physical Demands

• This position requires extended times of work in an office environment in meetings and working at a desk and computer.
• In cooperation with other ministry activities, lifting of up to 30 lbs. may be required, as well as physical activity associated with ministry events such as setting up tables and chairs, loading and unloading event supplies.

Equipment

• Basic office equipment, such as computers, copiers, and printers.

• Vans

Work Environment

This position will function to a large degree in an office environment. As a part of normal duties this position will also be in facilities with an at-risk population where errant behavior and disease risk may be present. Appropriate safety considerations will be required to avoid illness or injury.