Counselor

TURNING POINT JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                  Counselor

REPORTS TO:                     Director of Counseling and Advocacy  

CLASSIFICATION:              Part Time Exempt (24-hours per week) 

This is an in-person position. Candidates must have a full or limited social work or counseling license. 

Must be available Wednesdays for peer supervision, and have evening and weekend availability. 

This position is to provide in-person counseling services to clients in St. Clair County. Travel to our Mt. Clemens site will also be required for meetings.   

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Turning Point, Inc empowers survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. We offer emergency shelter, housing, advocacy/counseling, forensic nurse examiner program & first response advocacy services, 24-hour hotline, personal protection order assistance and legal advocacy, community education, and systems change.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Counselor works as part of a team providing individual and group supportive services to adult, adolescent and child survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The Counselor delivers trauma-informed counseling to primary and secondary survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and/or human trafficking. Services are generally targeted towards specific goals for healing that client has. The Counselor also provides advocacy, support and information to survivors navigating multiple community agencies and systems to help reduce the impact of violence on their lives. The Counselor will provide these services at multiple sites including community agencies, courts, schools, virtually, via phone etc. to increase survivor’s access to counseling and support services. 

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervision responsibilities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

The ideal candidate must have knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and advocacy-based interventions with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking that are rooted in anti-oppression values and the empowerment model. Specific knowledge in crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, lethality assessments, group facilitation, and safety planning are desired as are demonstrated success building teams, collaborating with peers, and solving problems. Candidates must also have knowledge of advocacy with survivors in various systems including healthcare, criminal justice, family court, child welfare, education, and human services. Additionally, candidate should have knowledge about victim’s rights, community resources, and the impact of violence on survivors and loved ones. The ideal candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills. As our free, confidential services are inclusive and accessible to honor the unique needs, identities, and experiences of individuals who identify as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual violence, or human trafficking, candidates must demonstrate the ability to work with all survivors and understand the unique barriers that survivors with intersecting oppressed identities will encounter.  

EDUCATION

A Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field with a minimum of one-year experience providing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking services. Counselor must also have full or limited licensure for their degree (LLMSW, LLPC, LMSW, etc.)

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Implement agency and program mission, vision and anti-oppression and empowerment philosophies.
• Administer and implement agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics.
• Build relationships with other organizations to offer/provide individual/support group services on site when appropriate.
• Attend and participate in weekly peer review.
• Facilitate individual and group supportive sessions for survivors and their loved ones. 
• Collaborate with survivors to create individualized goals. 
• Demonstrate crisis interventions skills for child and family members.
• Assist client in building/enhancing appropriate resources, supports and coping skills.
• Assist survivors in assessing their lethality and planning for safety.
• Assess lethality of suicidal clients and take appropriate action. 
• Collect and input required data for monthly program reports and program evaluation.
• Document all advocacy and services provided. 
• Conduct relationships with colleagues to promote mutual respect, improvement of services, and problem solving 
• Participates in applicable staff and committee meetings, and other meetings deemed necessary by Turning Point. 
• Cooperates with all other Turning Point programs to achieve organizational goals. 
• Notify the Director of Counseling and Advocacy, Deputy Director, or Chief Executive Officer of any emergency situations that may affect Turning Point staff and clients.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.  

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Must pass central registry and criminal background check as a condition of employment.  
• Must have reliable transportation, insurance, a valid Michigan Driver’s License and a good driving record. 
• Must have the ability to work with diverse populations. 
• Must be able to work independently.
• Allows for flexibility in job function and schedule, including occasional evening and weekend hours. 
• Able to drive to various sites/agencies to provide services.
• Ability to lift 20lbs. 
• Ability to climb stairs.

Turning Point, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, height, weight or Veteran status.