Counselor/Advocate Job Opening

Position Highlights:

• This position provides individual counseling for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors and facilitates focus groups
• Full time (40 hrs/week): Monday-Friday during business hours with flexibility for evenings and weekends due to 24 hour response duties.
• Due to Response Team duties, applicants must be able to respond to area hospitals ( St. Joe’s and UofM) and the Washtenaw County Jail within 30 minutes.
• Due to grant restrictions, the starting pay is non-negotiable
• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, or Arabic preferred
• People of color and LGBTQ identified persons are encouraged to apply

If interested, please forward your resume and cover letter to jobs@safehousecenter.org by Wednesday, March 9^th. No phone calls, please!

Job Description

JOB TITLE:     Counselor/ Advocate

DEPARTMENT:     Counseling and Advocacy Services

STARTING PAY:     $13.86 / hour to start

FLSA STATUS:     Non-exempt employee

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:     CAS Coordinator

MOST RECENTLY REVISED:      February 2016

Desired experience and other valued skills and abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services field or two years experience in a human services field.
• Demonstrated skill in writing, speaking, interpersonal communication, and teamwork
• Ability to provide empathy
• Competency in crisis management
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the unique circumstances of under-served populations and to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
• commitment to ending violence against women and children
• Fluency in language(s) other than English preferred
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault preferred
• Supervisory experience preferred
• Public speaking experience preferred
• Experience providing trainings preferred

Position Responsibilities:

• One-on-one counseling, advocacy and group work with assigned cases.
• Respond to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Washtenaw County.
• Be a part of, and abide by the limitations of the on call schedule.
• Provide advocacy with cases in regards to counseling, group work, the criminal justice system, transportation, childcare, legal, medical, financial and housing issues.
• Staff on call response team as assigned and respond to crisis calls as necessary in the most safe, efficient and timely manner.
• Document and maintain case records on all services provided for, with or on behalf of clients.
• Attend meetings as required or requested by supervisor.
• Report any knowledge or suspicion of child abuse and neglect.

 General Advocacy Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all rules, policies and procedures as set forth by SafeHouse Center.
• Maintain a professional, courteous and helpful demeanor at all times when working at or representing SafeHouse Center or its programs.
• Participate in any community forum, committee or council as assigned by the supervisor.
• Serve as liaison between SafeHouse Center and the community, being mindful of public image, community relations and the promotion of domestic violence and sexual assault services.
• Allow flexibility in scheduling and job function.
• Respond to any job function as requested by supervisor.
• Abide by confidentiality at all times.
• Make public speaking presentations to the community and/or service agencies as assigned.
• Maintain a good driving record and carry liability insurance for passengers in personal vehicle.
• Read and adhere to the SHC Policy and Procedures Manual; be mindful of health and safety issues at all times; notify Program Director in writing of any concerns regarding health and safety.
• Provide services in accordance with the organization’s personnel policies, mission and goals.
• Greet and assist people when they enter the public lobby.
• Participate in conferences, classes and workshops to enhance professional knowledge and skill.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Participate in regular supervision with the appropriate supervisor.
• Sign up for some holiday shifts during popular holiday times (most notably – but not necessarily limited to – the time around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s). Some limited holiday shifts will be required of all staff in order to keep our essential crisis intervention functions operational at all times throughout the year.
• Sign up for the required number of community education presentations, information tables or other outreach opportunities.
• Assist with special events when appropriate.
• All other tasks as assigned by your supervisor.
• Help to keep shared spaces orderly and take part in office-related light cleaning chores as assigned.
• Maintain a positive cooperative work approach and foster teamwork among co-workers.
• Work collaboratively with each survivor to determine both her strengths, supports, challenges and goals in order to promote her autonomy.