Domestic Violence Counselor-Residential (Sunday- Thursday 7:00 am- 3:00pm)

“Leaving was an incredibly frightening step. The staff at the shelter were so kind and supportive. I slept through the night for the first time in years. I was safe.”

RESPOND has been working to end domestic violence and homelessness in our communities for over 45 years. By joining our team as a Domestic Violence Counselor, you will welcome folks into our shelter as they flee and begin moving toward a life free of threats and abuse. The Domestic Violence Counselor provides on-site emotional support, assists in seeking and providing basics needs, gives parenting support, and creates and maintains a healthy milieu. RESPOND’s three tenets focus on our life changing work, our diverse team, and our commitment to learning.

The Domestic Violence Counselor’s Work:

Each day will be different as you work in a fast-paced home-like setting, serving a small, intensive caseload of singles and families (of all ages, genders, cultural and other backgrounds) who seek safe, independent housing solutions and a life free of domestic abuse. Your day may include:

• Traveling between confidential scattered site apartments daily
• Providing enrichment activities for children of program participants
• Providing a pathway to independence: assists in applying for school, a job or career training
• Teaching life skills like grocery shopping and using public transportation
• Creating a budget, teaching money management, and building or repairing credit repair
• Providing court accompaniment for a restraining order or other legal matters
• Helping a teammate out! Support a colleague or program in need of an extra set of hands.

The team you will be working with:

• A team focusing on transitional and residential services—the cornerstone of RESPOND’s programs and services!
• Staffers who are committed to social services, social justice and the belief that housing and safety are human and fundamental rights
• Folks who are new to the field, and veterans who have been in service for decades
• Experts in diverse fields including domestic violence, criminal justice, early education, and social work
• People who work hard and play hard. This work is tough, we bring our A-game every day. When we use our ample paid time off, you can find staffers who like a diverse set of activities outside of work

What you will learn, model or teach:

• Trauma informed services are the cornerstone of RESPOND services. Program participants are treated with dignity and respect.
• Extensive training—RESPOND will provide 25 hours of domestic violence related training in the orientation period, and on-going training and continuous professional development opportunities
• Upward mobility—if you are looking for a career and not just a job, you are in the right place!

Your Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

• Ability to work Sunday- Thursday 7:00 am- 3:00pm (Friday and Saturday off)
• At least one year of domestic violence case management or relevant experience working with individuals and families, preferred.
• Access to a personal vehicle, possession of a valid driver’s license and a willingness to transport program participants in RESPOND’s service area. This position will travel daily.
• Practice cultural sensitivity and ability to relate to persons of diverse backgrounds, such as the LGBQ/T community and individuals with histories of substance abuse and/or mental health and different ethnic and social backgrounds.
• High School Diploma/HiSET/GED required.
• Must have or be willing to obtain the 25-hour Domestic Violence Training Certification.

RESPOND Compensation and Benefits include:

• Opportunity to join an established, well-respected team.
• Hourly pay range of $23.00-$26.00
• Ample accrued paid time off of 3 weeks’ vacation, 2 personal days, 12 sick days and 12 holidays
• 401k match of 3%
• Excellent health and dental insurance that is 80% paid by employer.
• No-cost 25k Life insurance policy.
• Pre-tax flexible spending and Dependent Care accounts
• Additional vision, life, and illness policies available at cost to employees

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Language:

• Bilingual (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Somerville, MA (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Somerville, MA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $26