Violence Intervention Program, Inc Seeks Counselor Advocate – Manhattan/Queens Non-Residential Program

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) partners with Latinx communities to end gender-based violence. Created as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has always centered survivors in its leadership and has worked to create a community of staff that reflects the rich national, ethnic and racial diversity of the communities it serves. VIP runs three non-residential social service programs and two residential shelter and housing programs, in addition to a robust communications and outreach department

The Counselor/Advocate provides comprehensive crisis intervention and self-empowerment counseling in both individual and group settings to survivors of gender-based violence. The Counselor/Advocate is also responsible for providing direct services in the form of comprehensive case assessment, case management and advocacy related to criminal legal, social welfare, housing, immigration, and other related systems.

Essential Functions:

Ø Conduct initial needs assessments on all clients and their children to identify needs and goals during the initial intake and reevaluate as necessary.

Ø Provide intensive case management services based on the program participant (s) needs/goals and their service plan. Including weekly (scheduled) case management sessions.

Ø Provide personal support for the families including but not limited to translation and accompaniment services as it relates to public assistance, housing. School/education placement, health service, etc. Including assistance in the various unforeseen needs of the participant.

Ø 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 in a timely manner.

Ø Assist participant with educational needs by advocating for tutoring services, school placement, parents/teacher/child involvement and medical services.

Ø Stay abreast of changes in the area of entitlements and benefit resources and systems for information and referrals; advocacy and accompaniment as to secure needed services.

Ø Maintain proper documentation (case notes, reports and statistical information) in a timely manner for all clients.

Ø Develop service plans with measurable outcomes and services as identified by the program and funding source in a timely fashion. This includes providing accurate information about participants’ outcomes and services that inform their counseling plan.

Ø Develop individualized counseling plans for participants.

Ø Consistently assess the safety of clients to ensure their security, and that of their children; and create safety plans as needed.

Ø Provide crisis counseling, and promote positive self-esteem and motivation to participants including identifying and providing referrals to external therapeutic long-term services as needed.

Ø Validate, support and encourage strength-based counseling with a focus on personal wellness and independence as identified.

Ø Work with age-appropriate clients on an ongoing basis around the issues of conflict resolution, separation, and diversity issues (including cultural, religious, and sexual orientation issues), etc.

Ø Provide interventions that promote positive relationships between clients, parents, their community, various institutions and schools to enhance the positive development of clients.

Ø Facilitate weekly, monthly and/or bi-monthly age appropriate bi-lingual support groups.

Ø Provide counseling, case management, and collaborate with multi-disciplinary service providers and law enforcement on a weekly basis to provide wraparound services for walk-in clients at the Family Justice Center.

Ø Work collaboratively with staff and other service providers on a consistent basis to ensure the highest quality service delivery.

Ø Adhere to mandated reporting requirements as they relate to such issues as child abuse/neglect, suicide/homicide concerns, etc.

Ø Attend and participate in regularly scheduled agency and program meeting including supervision sessions, trainings, case conferences, agency-wide staff meetings, team meetings, inter-disciplinary meetings, etc.

Ø Conduct community outreach and /or educational workshops as needed by program.

Ø Represent VIP at conferences, community meetings and special events; including Promoting VIP services at all public functions.

Ø Report Language access issues as they occur to Nonresidential Director of Programs and Executive Director.

Ø Perform other tasks as required, including any related administrative duties as needed.

Requirements:

Ø BSW, BA or equivalent relevant experience in the field of human services

Ø Fully Bilingual Required (English/Spanish – verbal and written).

Ø Must have advocacy and/or counseling experience in the area of domestic violence, women and children’s issues, or related field.

Ø Strong verbal and written communication and documenting skills.

Ø Must be well-organized, work independently and collectively, while maintaining a flexible schedule.

Ø Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations and deliver culturally competent services.

Ø Must have the ability to operate office equipment such as computers, copy machine, fax machine, phone systems, etc. with strong internet and software skills; incl. Microsoft Office and client database.

Ø Must be able to exercise good judgment, compassion, and sensitivity at all times to provide trauma-informed care.

Ø Must ensure agency, program and client confidentiality at all times.

Ø Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace.

Ø Must be passionate about intersectional social justice issues impacting survivors of trauma.

Details at a glance

  • On-site Location
  • Full Time Schedule
  • 4-Year Degree Required
  • Professional

Level of Language Proficiency

Fully Bilingual Required (English/Spanish – verbal and written).

How To Apply

resumes@vipmujeres.org

http://www.vipmujeres.org

Qualified candidates may respond to this opportunity by submitting a cover letter & resume with salary requirement to: resumes@vipmujeres.org or fax (631)358-5878.

Location: New York, NY