Counselor Advocate - Education / Flex

This position develops and implements domestic violence prevention training and education programs for presentation in schools for students ages preschool through college and is responsible for providing safety, counseling, and other related services within behavioral health facilities and to Hotline, Emergency Shelter, and Bridge Housing clients.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

CLIENT CONTACT:
• Deliver Emergency Shelter, Hotline, and Bridge Housing services for Carbon and Luzerne Counties, i.e., crisis intervention, intake, supportive options counseling, safety planning, information and referral, advocacy with other community resources, follow up services, referral to emergency shelter and transportation arrangements, if needed.
• Provide in-person (both individual and group) counseling at DVSC and within behavioral health facilities.


DATA COLLECTION and INPUT:
• Accurately documents all client, client contact activities and daily logs on appropriate forms and client based software and according to DVSC policy and procedure. Updates on a regular basis; and maintains a list of referrals for clients and victims of domestic violence.

PROGRAM COORDINATION & DEVELOPMENT:
• Assist in the development of school education training materials and group counseling project materials. Recommend policies and procedures changes to supervisors to improve the program's efficiency and effectiveness based on a working knowledge of the program.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:
• Develop and provide age-appropriate educational program presentations to students, as scheduled.
• Provide information and follow up assistance to school and college providers and staff in order to increase the capacity to appropriately identify and respond to domestic violence victims.
• Provide information, referrals, and education about domestic violence and DVSC services to individuals and students as a means of reaching out to victims who have not yet sought services.
• Assess the needs of the education system relative to DVSC services. Assure the provision of information and education about domestic violence and DVSC services to schools and colleges.
• Continuously evaluate education and training programs for effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain a wide range of knowledge about domestic violence including recent literature, legislation, resources, and other related matters.


ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
• Provide intervention as needed with individuals, other agencies, and systems on behalf of clients. Provide assistance in filing victim compensation claims. Assists with "systems advocacy" efforts as requested or needed.
• Provide crisis intervention, intake, supportive options counseling, safety planning, information and referral, advocacy with other community resources, follow up services, referral to emergency shelter and transportation arrangements, if needed, in person (Shelter/BH, court, and hospital) or on Hotline as necessary.
• Assist in the planning, scheduling, and implementation of activities designed to promote client self-sufficiency and independence.
• Facilitate community support groups as necessary or requested.
• Ensure a safe and efficient working facility and perform basic preventative maintenance to remove any safety concerns.
• Attend all case management and staff meetings as required.
• Continually work towards promoting a harmonious and cooperative environment among residents.
• Work cooperatively with other staff, volunteers and interns; assisting and guiding duties, program requirements and housing guidelines while on duty.
• Perform other reasonably requested duties as per Supervisors or the Executive Director.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS AND JOB SKILLS


A high school diploma with experience working in social work, health care, the provision of education/training, or another related field, is required. A bachelor's degree in social work, healthcare, education/training or a related field is desired.
The ability to exercise a very high level of confidentiality is an essential requirement of this position.
Must demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision but to also be able to work as a corporative member of a team
The ability to provide crisis intervention; to exercise sound judgment and to interact professionally and assertively with others is essential.
Effective spoken and written communication skills are a requirement. Presentation and/or public speaking skills are preferred.
Must be able to work with a diverse population
An understanding of and commitment to client self-determination is preferred.
Familiarity with feminist philosophy and issues; of problems faced by victims of domestic violence; and of problems faced by disadvantaged and homeless women is also preferred

ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS:
A PA Child Abuse History Clearance
A PA Criminal Background Check
FBI Criminal Background Check
Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen
A valid PA Driver's license, access to a motor vehicle, successful MVR check, and adequate auto insurance
Successfully complete Domestic Violence Counselor/Advocate training in a timely manner.
A willingness to work toward the goals of the agency according to DVSC philosophy and policy; and to accept further education and training to develop skills appropriate to the position.
To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation, as long as the accommodation does not result in undue hardship to the DVSC, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.