Mental Health Counselor (Bilingual)
Casa Myrna is Greater Boston’s foremost provider of solutions to end domestic and dating violence. The agency operates three residential programs in Boston for survivors and children made homeless by domestic violence and sexual exploitation, a comprehensive range of advocacy and supportive services, and SafeLink, Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline. In addition, Casa Myrna works to end domestic and dating violence through education, awareness and prevention.
The Bilingual Counselor works with survivors as individuals and in groups, collaborates closely with staff from residential and community programs, and works to move the agency towards a trauma informed model. The Counselor reports to the Manager of Counseling Services.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides integrated, interdisciplinary, collaborative, trauma-informed, culturally informed, and domestic violence-specific counseling services in English and an additional language (preferably Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese). These services include providing individual, family (adult and child), group counseling, and crisis intervention as needed by residential and community participants.
- Supports participants in connecting with additional support within the agency and in the community (e.g., safe housing and shelter, legal aid, medical services, emotional support, etc.).
- Facilitates and/or co-facilitates domestic violence psychoeducation and support groups at the agency (may be with staff or interns) and in the community.
- Provides education and information on domestic and dating violence and the impact of violence on adults and children.
- Provides appropriate mental health referrals to outside agencies based on participant needs.
- May work as field supervisor to graduate counseling and social work interns.
- Works with Counseling Services Manager to develop and facilitate implementation of agency-wide Trauma Informed Care Project.
- Works with Counseling Services Manager and education/training staff to develop and facilitate trainings on trauma and trauma informed care.
- Maintains current and accurate records of services, updating database information and preparing periodic reports as required, and ensures accurate and timely reporting on services provided as required by agency protocols. Contributes to outcome and program evaluations.
- Represents the agency at meetings with community collaborators and at other events as needed.
- Participates in team and agency meetings.
- Works as a team player with other program and agency staff, particularly those in the residential/housing and community advocacy programs.
- Develops own professional development plan and attends trainings, meetings, and conferences within Casa Myrna and in the community.
- Other related duties as assigned by supervisor and agency.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Committed to Casa Myrna’s values and mission of ending domestic and dating violence and commercial exploitation, and promoting social justice and social change.
- Licensed professional or Master’s degree and working towards licensing in either Counseling or Social Work. Candidates in second year Master’s degree program may be considered.
- Demonstrated experience working with survivors of domestic/dating violence, trauma and abuse, and with marginalized communities, particularly communities of color.
- Familiarity with Boston-area community agencies and resources, particularly those serving youth, homeless and/or low-income populations.
- Demonstrated ability to utilize appropriate, non-judgmental communication techniques when responding to survivors that illustrates sensitivity to their experiences and needs. Ability to work and advocate in a collaborative style with diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic groups, as well as diversity based on ability/disability, sexual orientation and religion.
- Ability to prioritize and coordinate work at multiple sites; ability to work independently and in a team.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, crisis management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Promote an atmosphere of respect and cooperation; maintain confidentiality regarding program participants.
- Ability to travel throughout Boston required; driver’s license and access to a vehicle preferred.
- Strong preference for candidates who identify as a member of a marginalized community as Casa Myrna works to be an inclusive and equitable organization.
- Fluency in a language other than English required. Preference for Spanish, Cape Verdean Creole, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese.
Salary: $50,000-$60,000
Location: Boston
Hours: full-time (4 days and 35 hours/week)
Benefits: Casa Myrna offers: family friendly schedule; generous paid time off and holidays; health, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance; flexible spending account; health reimbursement account; retirement savings plan with employer match; and opportunities for professional development and training
Casa Myrna is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity and hiring people with diverse life experiences. Survivors, people who are bilingual/bicultural, persons of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people are strongly encouraged to apply.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. If reasonable accommodations are needed during recruitment process, email hr@casamyrna.org
Please submit cover letter and resume to jobs@casamyrna.org to be considered.