Crisis Advocate & Counselor

YWCA USA; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life Insurance

Short & Long-Term Disability

Pension Retirement Plan

403(b) Retirement Plan

Generous Paid Time Off

11 Paid Holidays

Job summary

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is seeking a full-time Crisis Advocate and Counselor to provide immediate intervention and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. You will deliver crisis counseling, medical and legal accompaniments, shelter support, and advocacy to empower clients while maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities include crisis hotline coverage, group and individual counseling, data entry, and collaboration with staff to coordinate emergency protection orders and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, criminal justice, or related field.
• Associate's degree with 2 years of relevant experience accepted.
• Must possess FBI, Child Abuse, and State Police Clearances.
• Reliable vehicle for local Dauphin and Perry Counties travel.

Responsibilities

• Respond to crisis interventions via hotline, walk-ins, and acccompanying victims.
• Provide individual and group counseling and crisis outreach.
• Maintain caseloads, document case notes and required reports.
• Provide shelter and support services including intakes and activities.
• Support staff training, volunteer activities, and program operations.
• Occasional overnight, holiday, or evening crisis coverage as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to YWCA policies.
• Participate in staff meetings and program-related activities.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Counseling

Advocacy

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field

Associate's degree + 2 years experience

Tools

Clearances (FBI, Child Abuse, State Police)

Job description

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is seeking a full-time professional to join our team as a Crisis Advocate and Counselor, providing critical intervention and support services to individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence. This position is responsible for delivering immediate support through medical and legal accompaniments, crisis intervention, hotline counseling, emergency shelter support, advocacy, and assistance with emergency protection orders, as well as providing short-term, empowerment-based individual and group counseling services.

Position Details

• Starting Salary $24/hr.
• Please note that this position comes with compensated on-call responsibilities.
• Working hours are 37.5 hours per week with the following shifts available:
  • Sunday - Thursday 8am-4pm
  • Tuesday - Saturday 4pm-midnight

Responsibilities Of The Position

• Respond to crisis intervention needs through hotline calls, walk-ins, accompaniments, and crisis coverage for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their non-offending others.
• Provide individual and group counseling, advocacy, referrals, crisis outreach, and follow-up services.
• Maintain an assigned counseling caseload and complete timely, accurate client documentation, case notes, and required reports.
• Provide shelter and support services, including intakes, room inspections, activities, and events.
• Facilitate support groups and assist with volunteer and new staff training as needed.
• Provide overnight, holiday, and occasional evening crisis coverage as assigned.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to all YWCA policies, procedures, and individualized work expectations.
• Support community awareness initiatives, prevention education, and domestic violence and sexual assault awareness activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, case reviews, trainings, and other departmental activities.
• Provide administrative and program support, including data entry, filing, and other duties required to support VIP/VOCA programming.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in human services, criminal justice, or related field; or an Associate's Degree with 2 years of relevant experience.
• Prior experience in providing advocacy, social work, human services, or other supportive services.
• Must have a reliable vehicle for travel within Dauphin and Perry Counties with a valid Driver's License.
  • Please note: Vehicle is for transportation of employee only - no client transport.
  • Mileage is reimbursed.
• Must possess current FBI, Child Abuse, and State Police Clearances.

Why You'll Love Working With Us – Check Out Our Awesome Benefits!

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you healthy
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Because your well-being matters
• Life Insurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
• Short & Long-Term Disability – We've got your back when life takes an unexpected turn
• Pension Retirement Plan – Start earning a pension after just two short years of service
• 403(b) Retirement Plan – Begin contributing on day one to secure your financial future
• Generous Paid Time Off – Recharge with paid time off days and sick days
• 11 Paid Holidays – Extra time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy what matters most