Counselor Advocate
6 days ago
New York
Job DescriptionSalary: $30.22/hour, non-negotiable Position:Counselor Advocate, Queens-Manhattan Community Program Department:Community Programs Location(s):Manhattan, Queens Reports To:Program Manager Classification:Full-Time, Non-Exempt Work Model:Hybrid Compensation: $30.22/hour of Positions: 2 The Violence Intervention Program, Inc. (VIP) is the only culturally specific non-profit organization in New York City serving Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are immigrants. Founded as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has consistently centered survivors in its leadership and fostered a staff community that reflects the rich national, ethnic, and racial diversity of the communities it serves. Today, VIP operates two community-based programs serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens; four housing programs, including two shelters, Rapid Re-Housing, and Home+; a bilingual helpline; and innovative programs focused on economic justice, sexual violence, restorative justice, and child and adolescent services. The Counselor Advocate provides crisis intervention and self-empowerment counseling in both individual and group settings to survivors of gender-based violence. The role also delivers direct services, including holistic case assessment, case management, and advocacy across criminal legal, social welfare, housing, immigration, and other related systems. Essential Functions: • Conduct initial needs assessments on all clients and their children to identify needs and goals during the initial intake and reevaluate as necessary., • Provide intensive case management services based on the program participant (s) needs/goals and service plan, including weekly (scheduled) case management sessions., • Provide personal support for the families, including but not limited to translation and accompaniment services as it relates to public assistance and housing. School/education placement, health service, etc. Including assistance in the various unforeseen needs of the participant., • Provide information and referrals; advocacy and accompaniment to participants throughout the legal, immigration, social, and human resources systems. This includes over the phone, in-person, and through written correspondence promptly., • Assist participants with educational needs by advocating for tutoring services, school placement, parent/teacher/child involvement, and medical services., • Stay abreast of changes in entitlements and benefit resources and systems for information and referrals, advocacy and accompaniment as to secure needed services., • Maintain proper documentation (case notes, reports, and statistical information) on time for all clients., • Develop service plans with measurable outcomes and services identified by the program and funding source in a timely fashion. Include accurate information about participants outcomes and services to inform their counseling plan., • Consistently assess clients' safety to ensure their security and that of their children, as their situation may shift with changing conditions. Create a safety plan as needed., • Provide crisis and promote self-esteem/motivation to participants, including identifying and providing referrals to outside therapeutic services as needed., • Validate, support, and encourage strength-based counseling with a focus on personal wellness and independence as identified., • Work with age-appropriate clients on an ongoing basis around the issues of conflict resolution, separation, diversity issues (including cultural, religious, and sexual orientation issues), etc., • Provide interventions that promote positive relationships between clients, parents, their community, various institutions, and schools to enhance the positive development of clients., • Facilitate weekly, monthly, and/or bi-monthly age-appropriate bi-lingual support groups., • Provide counseling, case management, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary service providers and law enforcement weekly to provide wraparound services for walk-in clients at the Family Justice Center., • Work collaboratively with staff and other service providers consistently to ensure the highest quality service delivery., • Adhere to mandated reporting requirements relating to issues such as child abuse/neglect, suicide/homicide concerns, etc., • Attend and participate in regularly scheduled agency and program meetings including supervision sessions, trainings, case conferences, agency-wide staff meetings, team meetings, individual service plans, inter-disciplinary meetings, etc., • Conduct community outreach and /or educational workshops as needed by the program., • Report Language access issues as they occur to Associate or Senior Directors., • Capacity building in all agency programs each staff member will demonstrate competency by incorporating financial literacy in their responsibilities., • Perform other tasks as required, including any related administrative duties as needed. Requirements: • Bachelor's degree or relevant experience, • Fully Bilingual Required (English/Spanish verbal and written)., • Must have advocacy and/or counseling experience in domestic violence, women and childrens issues, or related fields., • Strong verbal and written communication and documenting skills., • Must be well-organized, work independently and collectively, and maintain a flexible schedule., • Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations, and deliver culturally competent services., • Must have the ability to operate office equipment such as computers, copy machines, fax machines, phone systems, etc., with strong internet and software skills, incl. Microsoft Office and client database., • Must be able to exercise good judgment, compassion, and sensitivity at all times to provide trauma-informed care., • Must ensure agency, program, and client confidentiality at all times., • Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace., • Must be passionate about intersectional social justice issues impacting survivors of trauma., • Willing to travel to Queens and Manhattan Compensation & Benefits • Full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week with a pay rate of $55,000/year., • We cover 85% of the cost of medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents., • Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Accounts available., • Unlimited Paid Time Off program, 12 paid holidays, a mid-year and end-of-year office closure., • Summer Friday schedule (optional), • Commuter benefits (Mass Transit & Parking), • 403b retirement plan, • Employee Assistance Program, • Disability & Life Insurance