Domestic Violence Counselor

Safe Monroe; Delaware Water Gap (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Safe Monroe seeks a Counselor to provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Services span Safe Monroe offices and partner sites, with flexible scheduling to meet client needs.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Social Services or related field (Master’s preferred), crisis intervention skills, knowledge of applicable laws, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related fields required; Master’s preferred
• General knowledge of domestic and sexual abuse laws and resources
• Strong crisis intervention and counseling skills for victims/ survivors
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with databases
• Excellent written and verbal communication; adaptable to changing needs
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record; required insurance

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling using an empowerment model
• Develop safety and goal plans with victims/survivors
• Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling across locations
• Assess clients holistically considering physical, environmental, and social factors
• Collaborate to create and implement individualized service plans with timelines
• Coordinate with social service agencies and document client information accurately
• Assist with housing assessments and HUD compliance requirements
• Engage in outreach, advocacy, and community education activities
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, and case reviews
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and stay updated with best practices

Skills

Crisis intervention

Counseling skills

Written and oral communication

Flexibility in schedule

Driver's license and vehicle

Education

Bachelor's in Social Services or related fields

Master's preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Databases

Job description

STATUS: Full Time (37.5 hours per week); Non-Exempt; Hourly

REPORTS TO: Director of Programs

DESCRIPTION

The Counselor is responsible for providing individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, accompaniment, advocacy, and support to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.The Counselor will educate victims/survivors on their rights and available resources, and advocate within community systems to address the dynamics and issues related to domestic abuse and sexual assault. These include but are not limited to safety planning, self-sufficiency, and permanent housing in a safe, stable environment. They must be able to work a flexible schedule and be flexible to the changing needs of the organization and clients Services will be provided across multiple locations, including Safe Monroe’s offices and other community or partner sites as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related fields required, Master's preferred.
• General knowledge and understanding of domestic and sexual abuse
• General knowledge and understanding of laws pertaining to domestic and sexual abuse
• Strong crisis intervention and counseling skills relating to victims of abuse, abuse and trauma
• Knowledge and understanding of the Social Work Code of Ethics
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, and experience with databases
• Maintain excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrate flexibility in time, work schedule, and style
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, vehicle, required insurance coverage, and a safe driving record
• PA Act 33/34 and federal clearance must be obtained during trial employment period.
• Successful completion, during trial employment period, of PA domestic violence and sexual assault crisis intervention training as per 23 PA CS Sec. 6101-6118 and 23 PA CS Sec. 5495.1 and the PCADV and PCAR standards

RESPONSIBILITIES

Counseling and Empowerment

• Facilitate group and individual counseling activities from an empowerment model
• Assist victims of abuse with the development of individualized safety and goal plans
• Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse and/or their significant others
• Conduct a face-to-face assessment and understand the client as a whole person and understand the connection between physical, environmental, behavioral, social, and economic factors
• Support the development of an individual plan collaboratively with participants that includes appropriate goals, objectives, and timeframes
• Implement the service plan by working with participants and other social service agencies as appropriate
• Conduct inspections of participants’ prospective housing to ensure it meets the minimum requirements outlined by HUD

Advocacy

• Advocate on behalf of individual victims/survivors with various agencies and individuals, including legal and medical personnel, school personnel, employers, significant others, and/or Children & Youth Services
• Act as a liaison for medical systems advocacy
• Accompany victims/survivors to legal proceedings, medical appointments, and other supportive services as needed
• Collaborate and advocate with community groups on outreach/awareness events and training, such as with local higher education institutions, medical systems, and partner organizations

Legislative Knowledge

• Understand and apply knowledge of PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) and other crime victim legislation necessary for providing services to victims/survivors who are incarcerated

Documentation, Communication and Database Management

• Professionally document client contact
• Enter client notes, documentation, and statistics into the database
• Provide appropriate resource information and referrals

Statistical and Administrative Duties

• Maintain statistical information, reports, forms, and other necessary files for the operation of direct service programs
• Stay informed about best practices and current trends in domestic and sexual abuse advocacy and attend training sessions, workshops, and conferences as required
• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and case reviews

Material Development

• Work with other staff on awareness and outreach activities and programs/presentations
• Assist in the development of materials to be used in the provision of direct services
• Participate in the 24-hour hotline, providing immediate support and assistance to callers in crisis
• Take hotline shifts during the week and weekends as needed
• Provide documentation of all hotline calls, including pertinent client information and details of provided assistance, to the Director of Programs in a timely manner
• Assist with emergency financial application forms and filing compensation claims to the Victim Compensation Program

Trauma-informed and Self-Care Practices

• Integrate trauma-informed care practices into all aspects of service delivery, recognizing the impact of trauma on victims/survivors.
• Encourage clients to engage in self-care and personal empowerment strategies as part of their healing process.
• Practice self-care and maintain appropriate boundaries to prevent vicarious trauma and burnout, participating in regular supervision and professional development activities

Professional Development

• Stay informed about best practices and current trends in domestic and sexual violence advocacy and attend training sessions, workshops, and conferences as required
• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and case reviews
• Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned