Domestic Violence Counselor_FT

YWCA OF WESTERN MA; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The YWCA of Western Massachusetts is hiring a Domestic Violence Services Counselor in Springfield. This full-time role provides emotional support, individual counseling, safety planning, and court advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, with bilingual English/Spanish capacity.

The counselor will participate in on-call medical advocacy at five area hospitals, lead education classes, support outreach, and document services promptly in AWARDS, while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and Spanish language proficiency.
• Trauma-informed approach in working with DV survivors.
• Experience with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence and/or stalking.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and communities.
• Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide in person or virtual individual counseling to survivors of domestic violence in English and/or Spanish.
• Provide safety planning, court advocacy, medical advocacy, and support groups.
• Provide DV education classes and support outreach activities.
• Be part of an on-call rotation to respond to emergency medical advocacy requests.
• Provide after-hours, weekend, and other on-call coverage.
• Complete accurate documentation of services in AWARDS within 2 days of contact.
• Make appropriate referrals and coordinate with outside providers.

Skills

Spanish language proficiency

Trauma-informed care

Public speaking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Department: Community Support ProgramsReports to: Direct Care Supervisor of CBDVSchedule: Full time position: 37.5 hours/week, Monday—Friday 9am-5pm with flexibility to work after 5pm or unless Director/Supervisor state otherwise; Requires weekend and evening work; Part-time position requires the same with hours variedFLSA Status: Non-ExemptStarting Rate: $24.00/hourThe YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering survivors. The YW provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our programs and services include crisis shelter and transitional housing for survivors and their families, counseling, SAFEPLAN court advocacy, community education, supervised visitation, and vocational training for youth. The YWCA provides services at several sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and our primary Springfield campus.Expectations of all EmployeesIn the performance of essential and general job responsibilities, all YWCA employees are expected to:Demonstrate commitment to the YW’s mission and principles of trauma-informed work.Represent the YW in a professional and competent manner to participants, community members, organizational partners, and other stakeholders.Support policies, practices, and decisions that demonstrate our shared accountability for racial equity.Communicate openly and contribute to the development of others.Coordinate efforts across teams, programs, and partner organizations.Maintain professional behavior and strict confidentiality.Position PurposeThe Domestic Violence Services Counselor provides emotional support, individual counseling, safety planning, court advocacy, medical advocacy, and support groups to survivors of domestic violence. Provide Domestic Violence education classes to survivors. The position also supports community outreach and education efforts. The Domestic Violence Counselor is a key member of an on-call rotation, providing on-site medical advocacy at five area hospitals, including Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, Noble Hospital, and Wing Hospital.Essential ResponsibilitiesProvide in person or virtual individual counseling to survivors of domestic violence in English and/or Spanish for an average of 12-15 sessions, depending on the necessity, with a focus on safety planning and options to satisfy survivor-identified immediate needs;Be available and provide individual counseling services of domestic violence after agency hours; be flexible to work after 5pm at least twice a week to accommodate client schedules;Be on on-call rotation and participate in an on-call coverage rotation to respond to emergency calls for medical advocacy within two hour of request for services;Provide overnight, weekend, and other on-call coverage on a rotational basisProvide support for outreach activities, as needed; be flexible to participate in events occurring after 5pm;Provide walk-in client coverage during specified office hours;Provide court accompaniment to participants as necessary;Provide police accompaniment to participants as necessary;Conduct community groups for survivors of domestic violence and survivors of domestic violence with co-occurring/compounding trauma- which includes but is not limited to a drop-in support group, facilitation of the Women Correctional Center’s transition classes specific to topics regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and self-care, and a DCF-mandated group;Assist survivors with application for the Address Confidentiality Program, as requested or needed;Initiate contact and network with outside providers and maintain a working relationship;Make appropriate internal and external referrals and follow-up with clients;Complete accurate and timely documentation of services including intakes, assessments, service plans, group notes, and safety plans using the agency’s AWARDS system while adhering to confidentiality standards within 2 days (48 hours) of participant contact;Maintain and continually update client records and program files;Complete weekly, monthly, or quarterly data collection requirements;Experience in trauma informed skills; keep training updated;Attend supervision and staff meetings as required; andPerform other duties as needed or requested.QualificationsBachelors DegreeSpanish language proficiency;Trauma informed skills;Experience with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence and/or stalking;Experience working in collaboration with multiple entities, such as nonprofit organizations, public schools or colleges;Experience in public speaking with both youth and adults;Experience working with a diverse population;Experience with survivors of gender-based violence and exploitation;Experience addressing the impacts of decisions and actions on multiple communities;Understanding of both interpersonal and structural racism and bias;Have verbal, written, and organizational skills, computer skills;Access to reliable transportation and/or valid driver’s license; andMust be able to lift 40 pounds.EEO STATEMENTIt is the policy of YWCA of Western Massachusetts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the YWCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.DISCLAIMERThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.AT-WILL EMPLOYMENTThe YWCA is an “at-will” equal opportunity employer. While the YWCA will continue to operate with care regarding employment decisions, the YWCA and its employees may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, with or without cause, and without advance notice. Exceptions include select, non-exempt positions covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This position is covered under the CBA (union) and is subject to union dues.CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKSThe YWCA, in our effort to provide safety to those we serve, and to protect our agency, performs criminal offender record information (CORI) checks on all prospective employees. Final offers of employment are contingent upon receipt of an acceptable CORI report as solely determined by the YWCA.INTRODUCTORY PERIODAll employment at the YWCA begins with a 150-day Introductory Period.