About Job

Department: Community Support Programs

Reports to: Direct Care Supervisor

Schedule: Full time, 37.5 hours/week

Monday—Friday, 9am – 5pm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Rate: $22.00/hour

The YWCA of Western MA is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering survivors. The YW provides a safe place for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our programs and services include crisis shelter and transitional housing for survivors and their families, counseling, SAFEPLAN court advocacy, community education, supervised visitation, and vocational training for youth. The YWCA provides services at several sites, including Holyoke, Northampton, Westfield, and our primary Springfield campus.

Expectations of all employees

In the performance of essential and general job responsibilities, all YWCA employees are expected to:

· Demonstrate commitment to the YWCA’s mission and principles of trauma-informed work.

· Represent the YWCA in a professional and competent manner to participants, community members, organizational partners, and other stakeholders.

· Support policies, practices, and decisions that demonstrate our shared accountability for racial equity.

· Foster a positive working environment.

· Coordinate efforts across teams, programs, and partner organizations.

Position Purpose

The Sexual Assault Counselor provides support, counseling, referrals, and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault and their families. The Sexual Assault Counselor is a key member of an on-call rotation, providing on-site medical advocacy at five area hospitals, including Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Holyoke Medical Center, Noble Hospital, and Wing Hospital). The Counselor will also provide advocacy and process information regarding law enforcement and court proceedings.

Essential Responsibilities

Provide individual counseling to survivors of sexual assault, including outreach counseling services at sites such as the Women’s Correctional Facility, MLK Family Services, and public locations such as libraries;

Conduct 12 to 15 sessions per client;

Conduct satellite services at community domestic violence agencies;

Participate in an on-call coverage rotation to respond to emergency calls for medical advocacy within one hour of request for services;

Provide legal advocacy to participants within two weeks prior to the court date;

Conduct weekly groups, including co-facilitation of the Women’s Correctional Facility’s Transitions class specific to topics regarding domestic violence, sexual assault, and healing;

Complete safety planning with all clients;

Provide case management services and referrals;

Provide walk-in client coverage during specified office hours;

Facilitate trainings for internal team members and community stakeholders;

Participate in community outreach and networking;

Complete timely and accurate documentation of services, including maintenance of files, within two days of participant contact;

Attend required supervision and staff meetings; and

Perform other related duties as requested.

Qualifications

· Associate’s degree or equivalent education with a minimum of 2 years of experience in a human service field;

· Spanish language proficiency required;

· Experience with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, trafficking, and/or stalking;

· Experience working in collaboration with multiple entities, such as nonprofit organizations, public schools or colleges;

· Experience in public speaking with both youth and adults;

· Experience working with a diverse population;

· Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills, including strong computer skills;

· Experience addressing the impacts of decisions and actions on multiple communities;

· Understanding of both interpersonal and structural racism and bias;

· Ability to represent agency from a management perspective in an active union environment;

· Access to reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required; and

· Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

EEO STATEMENT

It is the policy of YWCA of Western Massachusetts to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the YWCA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

The YWCA is an “at-will” equal opportunity employer. While the YWCA will continue to operate with care regarding employment decisions, the YWCA and its employees may terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason, with or without cause, and without advance notice. Exceptions include select, non-exempt positions covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

The YWCA, in our effort to provide safety to those we serve, and to protect our agency, performs criminal offender record information (CORI) checks on all prospective employees. Final offers of employment are contingent upon receipt of an acceptable CORI report as solely determined by the YWCA.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD

All employment at the YWCA begins with a 120-day Introductory Period.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits: