Domestic Violence Counselor

Department:     Community Support Programs 

Reports to:       Direct Care Supervisor of CBDV 

Schedule:         Part time position: 30 hours/week, Monday—Friday 9am-3pm with flexibility to work after 3pm or unless Director/Supervisor state otherwise; Requires weekend and evening work 

FLSA Status:    Non-Exempt 

Starting Rate:   $20.00/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.
• Foster a positive working environment.

Position Purpose

The Domestic Violence Services Counselor provides emotional support, individual counseling, safety planning, court advocacy, medical advocacy, and support groups to survivors of domestic violence. Provide Domestic Violence education classes to survivors. The position also supports community outreach and education efforts. The Domestic Violence Counselor is a key member of an on-call rotation, providing on-site medical advocacy at five area hospitals, including Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, Noble Hospital, and Wing Hospital.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide in person or virtual individual counseling to survivors of domestic violence in English and/or Spanish for an average of 12-15 sessions, depending on the necessity, with a focus on safety planning and options to satisfy survivor-identified immediate needs.
• Be available and provide individual counseling services of domestic violence after agency hours; be flexible to work after 5pm at least twice a week to accommodate client schedules.
• Be on on-call rotation and participate in an on-call coverage rotation to respond to emergency calls for medical advocacy within two hour of request for services.
• Provide overnight, weekend, and other on-call coverage on a rotational basis.
• Provide support for outreach activities, as needed; be flexible to participate in events occurring after 5pm.
• Provide walk-in client coverage during specified office hours.
• Provide court accompaniment to participants as necessary.
• Provide police accompaniment to participants as necessary.
• Conduct community groups for survivors of domestic violence and survivors of domestic violence with co-occurring/compounding trauma- which includes but is not limited to a drop-in support group, facilitation of the Women Correctional Center’s transition classes specific to topics regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and self-care, and a DCF-mandated group.
• Assist survivors with application for the Address Confidentiality Program, as requested or needed.
• Initiate contact and network 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, service plans, group notes, and safety plans using the agency’s AWARDS system while adhering to confidentiality standards within 2 days (48 hours) of participant contact.
• Maintain and continually update client records and program files.
• Complete weekly, monthly, or quarterly data collection requirements.
• Experience in trauma informed skills; keep training updated.
• Attend supervision and staff meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as needed or requested.

Qualifications 

• Minimum Associate’s degree or equivalent education with a minimum of 2 years of experience in a human service field;
• Spanish language proficiency;
• Trauma informed skills;
• 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;
• Have verbal, written, and organizational skills, computer skills;
• Access to reliable transportation and/or valid driver’s license; and
• 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 (CBA). This position is covered under the CBA (union) and is subject to union dues.

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 150-day Introductory Period.