Domestic Violence Counselor
Department: Community Support Programs
Reports to: Direct Care Supervisor of CBDV
Schedule: Full time, 37.5 hours/week Monday—Friday_9am-5pm
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Starting Rate: $17.00/hour
The 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 employees
In 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 Purpose
The Domestic Violence Services Counselor provides emotional support, individual counseling, safety planning, court advocacy, options counseling, and support groups to survivors of domestic violence. The position also supports community outreach and education efforts.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide individual counseling to survivors of domestic violence in English and/or Spanish for 5-8 sessions with a focus on safety planning and options to satisfy survivor-identified immediate needs.
- Conduct 2-3 community groups for survivors of domestic violence and survivors of domestic violence with co-occurring/compounding trauma- including a drop-in group and DCF-mandated group.
- Initiate contact 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, and safety plans using the agency’s Apricot system and manual filing system while adhering to confidentiality standards.
- Maintain and continually update client records and program files.
- Complete monthly data collection requirements.
- Provide court accompaniment to participants as necessary.
- Attend required meetings and supervision.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or equivalent education with a minimum of 2 years of experience in a human service field.
- Spanish language proficiency .
- 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;
- Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills, including strong computer skills.
- Access to reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
EEO STATEMENT
It 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.
DISCLAIMER
The 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 EMPLOYMENT
The 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.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS
The 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 PERIOD
All employment at the YWCA begins with a 120-day Introductory Period.