Domestic Violence Counselor - 203

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Domestic Violence Counselor is responsible for supporting the agency and domestic 

Violence program by working with survivors individually and in group settings on goals

such as safety, boundaries, increasing self-esteem and maintaining healthy relationships

in addition to demonstrating knowledge of the mission and services of PCS.   

BENEFITS:

• Health insurance with an HRA account (HRA-80% of the deductible), vision, and dental plans available (health insurance begins 1^st day of month after 30 days of work service)
• Employees working at least 1,000 hours per year and who opt out of health insurance either upon hire or during the open enrollment period will receive a $750 lump-sum payment 
• Flexible Spending accounts for both health and dependent care 
• Employee Assistance Program available
• Employer paid short- and long-term disability insurance available
• Employer paid life insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage at group rates (available the 1^st day of month after 30 days of work service)
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan – Agency contributes 1% of an employee’s salary after 1 year of service yearly AND in addition matches the first 3% that the employee contributes to their 401k Plan   
• Mileage Reimbursement
• 15 Paid Time Off days, (PTO) in the first year (buy back, carryover, and transfer to Long Term Sick bank is also available at calendar year-end of unused PTO)
• Employee receives yearly - 1 floating holiday and 13 recognized Agency holidays 
• 1 Wellness Day yearly
• Wage/Longevity Bonuses available
• Attendance Bonus available bi-annually
• Bereavement Leave – 4 work days of leave with pay available
• Staff Recognition/Staff Appreciation events
• Team Building and In-House training available offering learning and educational opportunities

QUALIFICIATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social work or related field required
• Knowledge of family violence dynamics and experience in working with children 
• Ability to use Microsoft applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet/Intranet, web-based databases.  Understanding of the use of email in the workplace.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:   

• Conduct counseling interviews to assess client dynamics and implement treatment plans for family violence survivors and their children. 
• Provides service according to service plans to individuals residing in PASSAGE Shelter as well as those in the community.
• Coordinates with Residential Manager, other Domestic Violence Counselor and Advocacy team to respond to hotline calls and address emergent individual’s needs.
• Facilitates groups including topic-based support groups for survivors of domestic violence, Women as Offenders, and Niagara County Jail Domestic Violence groups. 
• Utilize knowledge of community referral resources for counseling, Dept. of Social Services, financial support, medical services/support, education/training, employment, housing, etc. for client referral and follow-up.  Networks with other service providers to assist with individual’s needs.
• Attends court, community appointments and DSS proceedings as appropriate.
• Maintains thorough individual files/statistics/individual closings on a timely basis and documenting daily activities.  Assists with information for reports to funding bodies, including monthly reporting to Director.
• Educates the community at large regarding PCS agency services and PASSAGE Program services/DV educational material when requested or appropriate.
• Support residential staff in providing coverage (when needed) including answering general phone and domestic violence hotline calls, assessing needs and providing information.
• Participates actively in regularly scheduled supervision with Program Director. 
• Participates in weekly case conference with PASSAGE team.
• Flexible and adaptable in high-stress environment to address individual’s needs as they arise.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

• Job performed primarily in a shelter/residential setting and modern office building in addition to community setting (public place, home, etc.)
• Occasional lifting (15 pounds or less)
• Occasional standing/sitting
• Frequent stair climbing
• Moderate stress
• Occasional PC/computer work

AGENCY EXPECTATIONS:

• Complies with all policies and procedures of PCS (including NASW Code of Ethics, Collective Bargaining Agreement, and corporate Compliance Policies) and all governmental and legal requirements.
• Attends and participates in appropriate agency staff trainings and meetings and program supervision.
• Reports all suspected incidences of child abuse/neglect to NYS Hotline with supervisory approval
• Advocates for cultural diversity/sensitivity as appropriate.
• Experience and knowledge on the use of computers, cell phones and a broad understanding of using the Internet and e-mail in the workplace
• Effectively communicate with consumers, community partners and agency staff including accurate documentation 

DISCLAIMER:

The information contained in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of this position.  

EOE STATEMENT:

It is the policy of Pinnacle Community Services, Inc. to provide equal opportunity in employment and delivery of those we serve without regard to hire, promotion, layoff, recall or other terms and conditions of employment because of race, creed, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, gender identity, citizenship of any person, immigration status of any person who is not a citizen of the United States, or any other category protected by law.  The prohibition of discrimination includes harassment.  The people we serve include all those we serve and people service groups who request and are eligible for Pinnacle Community Services, Inc.  Ongoing training is provided to assure adherence to this Policy.  Pinnacle Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.