Domestic Violence Counselor

JOB TITLE: Domestic Violence Counselor

PROGRAM: Family Violence Services - Passage House

STATUS: Full-Time, (35 hours per week)

FLSA DESIGNATION: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Family Violence Services

DEGREE: Bachelor Degree in Social Work or related Human Services Degree

EXPERIENCE: Counseling experience preferred or minimum two years’ experience in Human Service field

SALARY: $20.39 per hour

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Domestic Violence Counselor is responsible for supporting the agency and domestic Violence program by working with survivors individually and in group settings on goals such as safety, boundaries, increasing self-esteem and maintaining healthy relationships in addition to demonstrating knowledge of the mission and services of PCS.

QUALIFICIATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge of family violence dynamics and experience in working with children
• Ability to use Microsoft applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet/Intranet, web-based databases.
• Understanding of the use of email in the workplace.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct counseling interviews to assess client dynamics and implement treatment plans for family violence survivors and their children.
• Provides service according to service plans to individuals residing in PASSAGE Shelter as well as those in the community.
• Coordinates with Residential Manager, other Domestic Violence Counselor and Advocacy team to respond to hotline calls and address emergent individual’s needs.
• Facilitates groups including topic-based support groups for survivors of domestic violence, Women as Offenders, and Niagara County Jail Domestic Violence groups.
• Utilize knowledge of community referral resources for counseling, Dept. of Social Services, financial support, medical services/support, education/training, employment, housing, etc. for client referral and follow-up. Networks with other service providers to assist with individual’s needs.
• Attends court, community appointments and DSS proceedings as appropriate.
• Maintains thorough individual files/statistics/individual closings on a timely basis and documenting daily activities. Assists with information for reports to funding bodies, including monthly reporting to Director.
• Educates the community at large regarding PCS agency services and PASSAGE Program services/DV educational material when requested or appropriate.
• Support residential staff in providing coverage (when needed) including answering general phone and domestic violence hotline calls, assessing needs and providing information.
• Participates actively in regularly scheduled supervision with Program Director.
• Participates in weekly case conference with PASSAGE team.
• Flexible and adaptable in high-stress environment to address individual’s needs as they arise.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Job performed primarily in a shelter/residential setting and modern office building in addition to community setting
• Occasional lifting (15 pounds or less)
• Occasional standing/sitting Frequent stair climbing
• Moderate stress
• Occasional PC/computer work

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:

• Complies with all policies and procedures of PCS (including NASW Code of Ethics, Collective Bargaining Agreement, and corporate Compliance Policies) and all governmental and legal requirements.
• Attends and participates in appropriate agency staff trainings and meetings and program supervision.
• Reports all suspected incidences of child abuse/neglect to NYS Hotline with supervisory approval
• Advocates for cultural diversity/sensitivity as appropriate.
• Experience and knowledge on the use of computers, cell phones and a broad understanding of using the Internet and e-mail in the workplace
• Effectively communicate with consumers, community partners and agency staff including accurate documentation

DISCLAIMER:

The information contained in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of this position