Counselor

Servicing Lee and Whiteside counties, the Counselor works as a member of the Crisis Services Program to provide victim-centered counseling and advocacy for those experiencing and witnessing domestic violence. These services will be provided to children and adults who are in-shelter and in the community. The position also provides crisis intervention, information and support to domestic violence survivors during medical treatment and law enforcement processes. This position requires the use of independent judgement in all service-related responsibilities. They will maintain the highest degree of confidentiality associated with performing the duties of this function. The Counselor will also maintain, at all times, a commitment to quality client service on behalf of the YWCA Sauk Valley. The Counselor is not a lawyer or medical professional and does not provide legal or medical advice to clients.

Primary Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Documents all client contact, advocacy, referrals, and community contacts according to internal and external documenting requirements, from initial contact to the final services rendered. This includes documenting all contact and advocacy efforts to comply with reporting requirements of external donors and funders:
• Assists with Crisis Services Program fundraising;
• Publicizes Crisis Services programing, in consultation with Counseling Coordinator and Assistant Director of Crisis Services:
• Develops articles for publication in media coverage, such as a YWCA quarterly newsletter, in conjunction with program staff.

· Develops and implements professional trainings for social services providers, schools, state’s attorneys, medical providers, and law enforcement, in conjunction with program staff.

• Provides crisis intervention and counseling to child and adult victims of domestic violence, demonstrating familiarity with victim centered, trauma informed services
• Identifies, explains, and clarifies legal and medical options available to victims;
• Refers victims, as necessary, to community agencies for additional services;

· Provides mandatory 24 hour on-call direct service (hotline, hospital,) as part of a staff rotation.

• N/A

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Some local and national travel may be required;

· Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with local schools and community organizations;

· Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with local law enforcement and criminal justice officials;

· Successful completion of 80 hours of mandatory in-house domestic violence and sexual assault crisis intervention training,

· Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in crisis counseling, counseling, therapy, social work or psychology, or a license in counseling, therapy, psychology or social work;

· Internship/practicum experience working with children in a supervised setting or one (1) year volunteer/professional experience working with children;

· Knowledge of violence prevention best practices and survivors support strategies;

· Excellent computer and technology skills;

· Excellent oral and written communications skills;

· Self-starter with excellent organizational skills;

· Ability to assess levels of emotional distress and respond accordingly;

· Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team;

· Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally;

· Availability to work some evenings and weekends;

· A working telephone;

· Access to reliable transportation;

· A desire for continual personal and professional growth and development;

· Commitment to and support of the YWCA Mission.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $23.63 - $26.37 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Social Work: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $26