LICENSED THERAPIST/PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR (Adults and Children)

Job Description

Job Description

Work Week: 40 Hours (required to work some evenings)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

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Domestic Violence Therapist (Licensed)

Job Summary:

The Domestic Violence Therapist provides trauma-informed counseling and supportive services to adults impacted by domestic violence, as well as children and families. This role supports survivors in healing from trauma, developing coping skills, and building healthy relationships. The therapist conducts clinical assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, and provides evidence-based interventions. Services for children are delivered in partnership with the parent or caregiver to support emotional, behavioral, and social well-being. This position also includes training and supervision of master level interns.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide trauma-informed therapy to adults, and to children and families when applicable, using evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, TF-CBT, EMDR).

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and intake evaluations.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on client needs and trauma experiences.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and develop and document safety plans.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all client information, disclosing only with valid informed consent or as legally required.
• Provide comprehensive victim services including crisis counseling, follow-up counseling, group treatment/support groups, shelter or safe house support, information and referral, emergency financial assistance, crime victim compensation assistance, and telephone-based support and referrals.
• Provide support and consultation to team members by helping staff understand client needs and behaviors and recommending effective treatment approaches and interventions.
• Provide follow-up counseling through in-person or telephone contact for ongoing emotional support and guidance.
• Facilitate and coordinate support groups, including peer support, self-help, drop-in groups, and community-based crisis intervention services.
• Provide information and referrals to community resources and services.
• Assist clients with emergency needs such as transportation, food, shelter, clothing, and safety-related expenses.
• Support clients with crime victim compensation claims, including applications, documentation, status tracking, and advocacy.
• Provide special services addressing immediate practical needs, including advocacy with providers, childcare support for appointments, and transportation assistance.
• Provide telephone-based support, information, and referral services.
• Deliver child-centered services in child-friendly settings, including skill-building, supportive activities, and school coordination.
• Support parents through counseling, parenting education, and referrals to community resources.
• Educate clients on healthy relationships, boundaries, and recognizing abuse patterns.
• Collaborate with law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and social service agencies.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical records, including progress notes, treatment plans.
• Train and supervise master level interns.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated empathy, compassion, and understanding of trauma experienced by survivors of domestic violence.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build trust and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Experience working with adults and children impacted by abuse.
• Ability to develop supportive therapeutic relationships with clients and families.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to manage crisis situations, confrontation, and high-stress environments.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and issues affecting survivors and children.
• Understanding of early childhood development and/or early learning principles.
• Knowledge of social service systems and Social Work Code of Ethics.
• Ability to analyze and respond to complex domestic violence situations.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Strong commitment to agency mission, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to accept supervision and incorporate feedback.

Training Requirements:

• Attend a minimum of 15 hours of annual training.
• Assist in training staff or individuals in social service systems.

Team Responsibilities:

• Assist with hotline and/or office phone coverage as needed.
• Participate in agency-wide events (45-hour advocate training, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, volunteer recognition, fairs, and other events).
• Attend staff, management, and required agency meetings.
• Support agency-wide goals and objectives.
• Assist in maintaining a clean and organized facility.
• Prepare monthly progress and challenge reports for supervisor.
• Support public education and outreach events.
• Assist with integration of core and new agency services.
• Collaborate with internal staff to coordinate client services.
• Work with external partners to coordinate survivor services.
• Represent the agency professionally at community events.
• Other VOCA-related duties as assigned.

Other Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Reliable transportation to outreach sites, meetings, and trainings.
• Flexibility to work evenings and varied hours as needed.
• Compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Required clearances (child abuse, criminal, FBI).
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform physical tasks such as standing, walking, and stair climbing.

Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily sedentary but may require lifting or moving light objects and occasional physical activity associated with job duties.

Minimum Education & Experience:

Master’s degree (MSW, Counseling, or related field) required. Must hold current and active licensure (e.g., LCSW, LPC). Minimum of two years of post-licensure clinical experience in public or private behavioral health settings required.

. HR use only

Last revised

May 2026

Management? (Yes/No)

Yes

E/NE status

Non-Exempt