Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Counselor

The Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Counselor is a valuable member of the Counseling team. The DV/SA counselor supports First Step’s mission by providing trauma-informed support to adult and youth survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault.

The DV/SA counselor supports survivors with processing trauma, emotional healing, building coping skills, and developing self-advocacy. The DV/SA counselor provides both individual and group services, as well as parenting education and support.

First Step provides comprehensive training and supervision to all employees.

First Step works hard to create a workplace that is dynamic. We encourage people with diverse identities and experiences who are excited about equity and social justice to apply.

LOCATION: All First Step sites; Ability to travel between agency sites.

REPORTS TO: Counseling Program Coordinator

POSITION TYPE: EXEMPT: Full-time, 37.5 hours/week, hourly pay

PAY RANGE: $21 / Hour

SCHEDULE: Weekdays. Some evenings with occasional on-call shift, evening or weekend required.

START DATE: Immediate

TO APPLY: https://www.firststep-mi.org/jobapplication/

No phone calls or emails, please. First Step will only accept complete applications (which include a resume and cover letter) submitted via the link above. Applications on Indeed are not reviewed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Engage adult and youth survivors in identifying and addressing the emotional impact of DV/SA, using client-centered and trauma-informed counseling skills and modalities
• Assist survivors in meeting concrete needs by providing information, community resources, and referrals to other service providers as needed, including mental health services
• Collaborate with staff across programs to comprehensively address survivor advocacy needs
• Provide short-term individual counseling services via in-person, telephone, and virtual sessions
• Develop and conduct ongoing counseling and/or support group services in conjunction with the non-residential advocacy team
• Assist with the Crisis Intervention Services and Residential programs, as needed, including answering calls on the 24-hour helpline and servicing walk-in survivors
• Maintain accurate and timely client documentation
• Represent First Step in various community settings, as needed, including interagency collaboration meetings and Staff Speakers’ Bureau engagements
• Develop and participate in DV/SA awareness month activities
• Understand and support the First Step philosophy of empowerment, education, and prevention of violence.
• Support and carry out First Step’s mission, vision, and values.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Meet Michigan’s LARA licensing requirements for Counselors, such as holding a limited or full counseling or social work license (LLMSW/LMSW, LLPC/LPC)
• Education or experience in crisis counseling, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault
• Experience and ability to work effectively with people from diverse racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds
• Capability to respond to and handle crisis situations effectively
• Must be caring, empathetic and have a passion for working with survivors using a client-centered approach
• Must be able to maintain professional boundaries and comply with all agency policies and procedures
• Ability to work independently and with supervision
• Excellent oral, written, active listening and organization skills
• Knowledge of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or other evidence-based counseling modalities a plus
• Ability to lift 30 pounds on occasion, Bilingual a plus

REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 18 years old and satisfy criminal background checks, DHHS child abuse registry check, sex offender registry check, driving check. Must have and maintain a valid MI driver’s license, excellent driving record, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance. These requirements will be re-checked throughout employment.

BENEFITS: Option for agency provided health, dental, optical insurance after 60 days. Agency provided life insurance and long-term disability insurance after 60 days. Employee Assistance Program and Headspace App access. Additional voluntary insurance benefits available after 60 days. Employer contribution to 401k. Annual paid time off and floating holidays. Accrued paid flex time. Agency closure days off with pay.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Plymouth, MI 48170