About Job

JOB SUMMARY: The Shelter Counselor delivers comprehensive, trauma-informed therapy for survivors of domestic violence that allows survivors to:

· Continue to gain a sense of safety and control Further develop their problem-solving skills and coping mechanisms

· Understand domestic violence and its impact on a person’s life

· Uses a strengths-based approach to provide crisis management, safety planning, advocacy, resource referrals and support to survivors of domestic violence.

The Shelter Counselor will report directly to the Executive Director and work closely with the Victim Advocates.

All YWCA Great Falls team members must be able to adapt to a continually evolving environment and thrive in an autonomous and deadline-oriented workplace.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Services:

· Provides individual and group therapy to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

· Coordinates with other direct service staff to provide services for YWCA participants.

· Demonstrates the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with individuals facing significant challenges and/or complex mental health needs.

· Provides crisis counseling and support as needed at the shelter.

· Collaborating with outside agencies regarding counseling, victim resources, and other miscellaneous needs to offer appropriate referrals to clients.

· Provide on-call phone services to address mental health crisis situations when scheduled on rotation

· Helps foster a sense of personal strength, empowerment, and self-sufficiency in participants.

Administrative

· Maintains accurate and up to date written client files and statistics within the parameters set forth by the YWCA Great Falls.

· Creates and maintains appropriate forms, required documentation, and materials needed for therapeutic services.

· Alerts Executive Director and others as appropriate to areas of concern.

· Follows all applicable licensing requirements, contract requirements, Montana state laws, and generally accepted professional practice.

General

· Attend staff meetings.

· Promotes a sense of safety and security among participants.

· Ensures participant confidentiality.

· Reports incidents of child abuse to Child Protection Services, and the Executive Director.

· Demonstrates energy and enthusiasm for work.

· Exhibits a warm, friendly, non-judgmental attitude toward participants, children, employees, volunteers, and the public.

· Displays awareness of and ability to deal with diversity among people, including different abilities among clients.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

· Licensure in Montana is required.

· Relevant clinical experience in individual and group counseling.

· Training in Trauma Informed Care and EMDR preferred.

· Experience in domestic and sexual violence preferred but not required.

· Knowledge of domestic & sexual violence, child & adult development, principles of attachment, substance use & recovery, and culturally responsive practices.

· Must pass a background check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· An understanding of domestic and sexual violence issues.

· Understanding of the social and political complexities of homelessness, poverty, and cultural diversity.

· Commitment to YWCA Great Falls’ mission and values.

· Ability to maintain confidential information.

· Ability to work effectively with clients and callers in crisis.

· Computer skills, organizational, problem solving, and conflict management skills

· Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals, including adult and child participants, peers, and supervisors.

· Valid driver’s license and ability to use personal vehicle for work.

· Ability to work as part of a team.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS: