Counselor Advocate

About the role

The Violence Intervention Program (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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Deliver information and referrals; advocate and accompany participants throughout the legal, immigration, social, and human resources systems. This includes over the phone, in-person, and through written correspondence promptly.
• Aid 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.
• Create 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or relevant experience
• Full Bilingual Required (English/Spanish – verbal and written)
• Advocacy and/or counseling experience in domestic violence, women and children’s issues, or related fields
• Strong verbal and written communication and documenting skills
• Well-organized, works independently and collectively, and maintains a flexible schedule
• Knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations, and delivers culturally competent services
• Knowledgeable in operating office equipment such as computers, copy machines, fax machines, phone systems, etc., with strong internet and software skills, incl. Microsoft Office and client database
• Ability to exercise good judgment, compassion, and sensitivity at all times to provide trauma-informed care
• Ensures agency, program, and client confidentiality at all times
• Works well with a team and brings self-awareness and accountability to the workplace
• Passionate about intersectional social justice issues impacting survivors of trauma

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week with a pay rate of $55,000/year
• We cover 90% of medical insurance premium costs for employees and their families
• 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

Please visit our website to apply and for more information about the role: https://violenceinterventionprogram.bamboohr.com/careers/