Domestic Violence Counselor – Community, Intervention & Education (CIE):

“Being a victim of abuse was frightening, isolating, and filled with despair. Thanks to RESPOND, I no longer felt alone; they stood by me every step of the way!"

RESPOND has been working to end domestic violence and homelessness for survivors in our communities for 50 years. By joining our team as a Domestic Violence Counselor, you will provide crisis intervention and individual counseling, collaborating with a great team of other counselors and agencies in the community to provide services to the clients we serve.

RESPOND’s three tenets focus on our life changing work, our diverse team, and our commitment to learning.

The Domestic Violence Counselor’s Work:

Each day will be different as you work in a fast-paced community service center answering our intake and assessment, line, educate the community on the signs of domestic violence and/or work with community partners helping people in crisis find immediate solutions for safety. Your day may include:

· Answering RESPOND’s Support & Intake Line and provides emotional support, conducts intakes and is responsible for handling internal referrals.

· Working with domestic violence survivors in a 1:1 setting providing crisis intervention, counseling, and a plan for immediate and long-term safety.

· Developing curricula and facilitates groups, including crisis, wellness and transition groups.

· Providing trainings and educational programming to local schools, agencies, and other community partners.

· Representing RESPOND at outreach events to enhance online information and education opportunities.

· Helping a teammate out! Support a colleague or program in need of an extra set of hands.

The team you will be working with:

· Provides a wide variety of services to those experiencing all forms of domestic violence.

· A wide variety of community members, local schools, and diverse programs

· Staffers who are committed to social services, social justice and the belief that housing and safety are human and fundamental rights.

What you will learn, model or teach:

· Trauma informed services are the cornerstone of RESPOND services. Program participants are treated with dignity and respect.

· Extensive training—RESPOND will provide at least 25 hours of domestic violence related training in the orientation period, and on-going training and continuous professional development opportunities.

· Upward mobility—if you are looking for a career and not just a job, you are in the right place!

Your Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

· At least one year of case management or relevant experience working with individuals and families.

· Ability to work in challenging, emotional, traumatic circumstances with clients who have experienced domestic violence.

· Ability to work in a collaborative environment with co-workers in a shared space.

· Access to a personal vehicle with a willingness to facilitate Domestic Violence Trainings, attend community meetings and table outreach events in RESPOND’s service area.

· Practice cultural sensitivity and ability to relate to persons of diverse backgrounds, such as the LGBQ/T community and individuals with histories of substance abuse and/or mental health and different ethnic and social backgrounds.

· Bachelor’s degree or High School Diploma/HiSET or GED with 4 years’ equivalent work experience strongly preferred.

· Must have or be willing to obtain the 25-hr Domestic Violence Training Certification and CJIS. RESPOND Compensation and Benefits include:

· Hourly pay range of $23.00-$26.00

· Ample accrued paid time off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 2 personal days, 12 sick days and 12 holidays

· 401k match of up to 3%

· Excellent health and dental insurance that is 80% paid by employer.

· Opportunity to participate in MBTA Transit Perq Program

· No-cost 25k Life insurance policy.

· Pre-tax flexible spending and transportation accounts

· Additional vision, life, and illness policies available at cost to employees

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Somerville, MA 02143 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Somerville, MA 02143: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person