Domestic Violence Counselor

Job Description
The Domestic Violence Counselor provides trauma-informed, survivor-centered individual and group counseling services to survivors of domestic violence. The Counselor works collaboratively with Domestic Violence Team, clinical staff, and community partners to support survivors in achieving safety, healing, stability, and empowerment.

The Domestic Violence Counselor utilizes evidence-based therapeutic interventions, conducts clinical assessments, develops individualized treatment plans, facilitates psychoeducational and therapeutic groups, and ensures services are delivered in accordance with agency policies, grant requirements, ethical standards, and best practices in trauma-informed care.

Experience and Skills
Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Clinical Counseling Services

• Provides trauma-informed individual counseling to survivors of domestic violence.
• Facilitates therapeutic and psychoeducational support groups.
• Completes assessments, safety assessments, and clinical evaluations.
• Develops individualized plans with measurable goals.
• Completes discharge planning and follow-up services as appropriate.
• Utilizes evidence-based practices including CBT, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, EMDR (if trained), and other trauma-informed interventions.
• Assists clients in developing healthy coping skills, emotional regulation, and resiliency.

Case Management & Advocacy Collaboration

• Collaborates closely with Domestic Violence team to ensure coordinated, survivor-centered services.
• Participates in multidisciplinary case staffing and team meetings.
• Assists clients in identifying and accessing community resources including housing, employment, healthcare, legal assistance, transportation, and financial resources.
• Supports comprehensive safety planning and crisis intervention.
• Coordinates referrals to behavioral health, substance use treatment, medical providers, and other community resources.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains timely, accurate, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency policy, grant requirements, standards, and ethical guidelines.
• Completes assessments, plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other required documentation within established timeframes.
• Ensures documentation supports quality care and regulatory compliance.
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and applicable state and federal regulations.

Quality Improvement & Program Development

• Participates in quality improvement initiatives.
• Assists with collecting outcome data and program performance measures.
• Participates in program evaluation activities.
• Remains current on best practices in domestic violence, trauma treatment, and behavioral health.
• Participates in agency training and continuing education.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings and clinical consultation.
• Participates in the Domestic Violence High Risk Team as appropriate.
• Provides consultation and education to community partners when requested.
• Represents the agency professionally within the community.
• Supports coordinated community response efforts.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or a closely related behavioral health field required.
• LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or associate licensure preferred. Candidates working toward independent licensure are encouraged to apply.
• Training or experience in trauma-informed care, domestic violence, crisis intervention, TF-CBT, EMDR, Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing, or other evidence-based trauma therapies preferred.

Job Benefits
Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Time

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program