School-Based Counselor

School-Based Counselor

Reports to: Director of Community Services & Outreach

Department: Community Services

Supervises: Not Applicable

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

Provide services in a school-based counselor at Montmorency and East Coloma Schools in Rock Falls. The School-Based Counselor works as a member of the Community Services Department to provide victim-centered counseling and advocacy for children at the schools assigned. 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 School-Based Counselor will also maintain, at all times, a commitment to quality client service on behalf of the YWCA Sauk Valley. The School-Based 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 as necessary and according to internal and external requirements including those of external donors and funders from initial contact to the final court decision;
• Reports suspected cases of child abuse as required under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act;
• Serves as liaison to and on behalf of the clients with within the school system;
• Maintains client confidentiality;
• Participates in staffing assessment of child clients;
• Assists with Community Services Department fundraising;
• In consultation with Director of Community Services and Outreach, publicizes school-based services and successes;
• In conjunction with program staff, develops articles for publication in media outlets, such as a YWCA quarterly newsletter.

· In conjunction with program staff, may develop and implement professional trainings for schools, parents, community members, and social services providers.

• Develops a service plan targeted at meeting the child’s specific needs;
• Provides referrals and advocacy for children needing therapy or services from other community organizations;
• Develops and leads classroom activities to empower children and to develop positive socialization skills at schools;
• Develops parenting education program and implements individual and group parenting programs;

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 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Training in compliance with ICADV, ICDVP, and ICASA standards;

· 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 sexual violence prevention best practices and survivor 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.

Physical & Mental Demands:

The position requires sitting, standing, stooping, bending, walking, climbing, speaking and driving. The functions of this position are varied in nature and require the ability to make clear and concise presentations and to respond in an effective and appropriate manner during crisis.

The YWCA Sauk Valley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.

YWCA of the Sauk Valley is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Sterling, IL 61081 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sterling, IL 61081: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $52,000