Domestic Violence Counselor

Child-; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Paid Holidays

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Wellness Program

HSA contributions

Job summary

Child & Family Services in Buffalo seeks a Domestic Violence Counselor to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals. You will support survivors through individual and group sessions, and assist with service planning across in-person, virtual, and mobile formats.

The role emphasizes confidentiality, ethical practice, and empowerment. A Bachelor's in a related field and at least two years' DV experience are required; NY driver’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
• Two years of experience in domestic violence field or trauma-informed settings.
• Understanding of IPV dynamics and survivor-centered approaches.
• Experience with crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.
• Strong written communication and documentation skills.
• Bilingual Spanish-English desirable; valid NY driver's license with reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling and survivor-centered support.
• Facilitate trauma-informed group healing services, both in-person and virtually.
• Conduct safety planning, risk assessments, and connect clients to resources.
• Maintain confidential client records and utilize case management systems.
• Engage in supervision, trainings, and professional development.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work

Tools

MS Office (Teams, Word, Excel)

Job description

Our Domestic Violence Program provides comprehensive, trauma-informed services to individuals impacted by intimate partner violence. Through safety planning, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy we empower survivors to regain stability and rebuild their lives.

The Domestic Violence Counselor plays a vital role on our team, supporting survivors through individual and group counseling, promoting long-term safety and stability, and fostering healing, empowerment, and resilience.

Position Summary

The Domestic Violence Counselor plays a critical role in supporting survivors on their journey toward safety and healing. This position provides individual counseling, support and healing-focused groups, and assists clients with safety planning and resource connections.

Using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach and Motivational Interviewing techniques, the counselor supports survivors while promoting empowerment, self-determination, and resilience. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the complex challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence and demonstrates the ability to provide compassionate, effective support in difficult and multifaceted situations.

The successful candidate will exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, respect clients' rights to self-determination, and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.

A Day in the Life as a Domestic Violence Counselor

• Connect with survivors through internal and external referrals.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals engaging in services.
• Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered counseling and support, including crisis intervention, safety planning, risk and needs assessments, emotional support and make appropriate referrals as needed.
• Develop individualized, survivor-driven service plans that promote safety, empowerment, healing, and self-determination.
• Provide individual counseling services to survivors of domestic violence, including shelter residents.
• Utilize Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques in all aspects of service delivery.
• Provide mobile counseling services, including in-person, virtual, and telephone sessions, to meet survivors where they are.
• Answer domestic violence hotline calls, provide crisis intervention and safety assessments, and connect callers to appropriate services and resources.

Group Facilitation & Healing Services

• Facilitate a variety of virtual and in-person groups that support healing, connection, and resiliency, including:
• Creative expression and healing groups
• Mindfulness and wellness groups
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, training, case consultations, and other agency activities.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen skills and knowledge.
• Model respect, inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and professionalism in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Documentation & Program Responsibilities

• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records, including progress notes, reports, data entry, and other agency documentation requirements.
• Utilize agency technology systems, databases, and case management software in accordance with agency protocols.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation activities, and outcome measurement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with all agency policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safety protocols, legal requirements, ethical standards, and administrative procedures.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
• Have at least two years of experience working in the domestic violence field or a related field serving individuals and families impacted by trauma, crisis, or interpersonal violence.
• Possess a basic understanding of the dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV), including the impact of trauma, power and control, barriers to accessing services, and survivor-centered approaches to support and advocacy.
• Possess a basic understanding of the mental health and substance use challenges that may affect survivors of domestic violence and respond with appropriate support and referrals.
• Demonstrate a commitment to empowering survivors through a trauma-informed, strength-based approach.
• Possess the ability to work independently while maintaining professionalism, accountability, and strong collaborative relationships.
• Have excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Hold a valid New York State driver's license and have reliable transportation for community-based work and travel.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, fairness, and respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, Word, and Excel, and have the ability to accurately enter and maintain information in a case management database.
• Demonstrate strong written documentation and communication skills.
• Spanish-English bilingual skills are highly desirable.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience providing individual counseling and facilitating support, psychoeducational, or healing-centered groups.
• Knowledge of community resources available to survivors of domestic violence.
• Experience with crisis intervention and safety planning, including supporting survivors of domestic violence who may also be affected by mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Experience using Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care principles.

Competitive Pay Rate of $24.50 per hour

CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  -20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
  -14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
  - Bereavement: Four Paid Days
  - Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years

Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Qualifications

Behaviors

Preferred

Innovative

: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Team Player

Team Player

: Works well as a member of a group

Enthusiastic

: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

Preferred

Self-Starter

: Inspired to perform without outside help

Ability to Make an Impact

Ability to Make an Impact

: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.