Women In Transition (WIT) is an organization dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge, support, and ability to thrive beyond domestic abuse/intimate partner violence and substance abuse. Our staff are dedicated and passionate professionals inspired to create a world where people can pursue safety, healthy relationships, and supportive communities. WIT serves survivors of all gender identities, and all of our services are offered free of charge.

Scope of Position-This full-time, 35-hour per week, non-exempt position reports to WIT’s Program Director. The primary responsibilities of the Domestic Violence Counselor are to respond to the emotional and physical needs of DV survivors by providing counseling, guidance, and support to help them stabilize their lives after domestic violence. This position also manages cases for clients receiving Emergency Placement services.

WIT’s work environment is open to all applicants, respecting the full spectrum of sex, gender identity, race, color, religious creed, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information and veteran status.

Employees are expected to work in WIT’s Center City Philadelphia office three days a week and to assist with walk-in clients, as needed. Individual counseling sessions and peer support groups are currently being conducted via telephone or zoom. The person in this position is expected to provide in-person counseling and in-person peer support group facilitation when WIT resumes these services at a date to-be-determined.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual and Crisis Intervention Counseling

• Provide empowerment and educational counseling for survivors encountering life-changing transitions rooted in domestic violence and/or substance abuse
• Help clients develop and implement safety, goal, and advocacy plans
• Maintain a case load of 25 individual counseling clients
• Conduct intake assessments of new clients
• Conduct crisis intervention and intakes for walk-in clients
• Provide advocacy, accompaniment and service coordination for clients involved with multiple service providers
• Assist clients with information and referrals to other community resources such as local victim service agencies and drug treatment programs
• Conduct follow-up outreach with clients

Telephone Counseling

• Provide two hours of LifeLine (WIT's intake and phone counseling hotline) coverage weekly
• Provide two hours of Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline (PDVH) coverage monthly
• Provide backup coverage for LifeLine and PDVH hotlines as necessary

Emergency Placement (EP) Program

• Assist DV survivors who are facing homeless in finding safe emergency housing
• Review the EP referral form and assess the client for eligibility
• Provide crisis intervention and supportive counseling for EP clients around ongoing emotional stability and immediate physical safety
• Arrange for hotel stay and checkout
• Arrange transportation to and from the WIT office, hotel, and to the safe haven/shelter
• Provide gift cards, phone, Septa Key cards, toiletries, backpacks, strollers, and baby supplies to clients
• Provide case management services, including arrangements and resources for food, school, daycare, medical, legal, child welfare, immigration, and exit plan to the safe haven, OHS, or another support system
• Enter data/information in the EP spreadsheet
• Attend monthly/quarterly Emergency Placement Collaboration Meetingssary

Systems Advocacy

• Serve as an agency liaison to the Philadelphia Shared Safety Initiative and other advocacy groups or coalitions as required

Program Compliance & Documentation

• Accurately document program and service activities, including, but not limited to, the completion of hotline and walk-in ICRs, intake paperwork, daily DCRs, client files, and timesheets

Accountability

• Routinely meet with the Program Director to review program activity, service issues, and other program matters. This includes a routine review of service documentation and other participant information to assure compliance with program standards and annual service objectives.

REQUIREMENTS

Highly motivated, well-organized, computer proficient, and understanding of the impact of domestic violence on individuals and the community. Knowledge of community resources. Good listening and problem-solving skills. Capable of working with a diverse group. Ability to work flexible and evening hours.

Upon hiring, the candidate must complete a 45-hour Crisis Intervention Training prior to providing direct services to WIT participants, the Crime Victims Compensation Training, and provide I-9 and Act 33 criminal background and child abuse clearances.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Associate or undergraduate degree in the field of human services, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 2 years’ experience providing direct counseling services

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Women In Transition is committed to attaining excellence through recruiting and retaining a qualified and diverse workforce. Women In Transition is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Applicants should submit both a cover letter and a resume. Applicants will not be considered if they do not include a cover letter.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person