Counselor/Advocate

WFC Sexual Assault Crisis Services Program is seeking a  Counselor/Advocate. The position will be based out of our New Haven office. It is a full time (35 hours/week) position and may be required to work additional hours as organization demands require. Position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings, holidays, and weekends as required to perform job duties.

Salary: Annual salary range is $40,000 to $43,000; plus stipend pay monthly for hotline shifts, and a generous benefits package.

Position summary: Responsible for providing crisis counseling, support and advocacy for victims/survivors of sexual assault, as well as run support groups and partner with local communities, and organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities – This position requires typical work operations and responsibilities such as, but not limited to:

• Provide coverage for the English 24-hour hotline, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Help out when needed on the Spanish hotline if Spanish speaking.
• Provide crisis intervention services for survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones; including preparation for court and legal accompaniment and advocacy, medical, and police accompaniment; short-term supportive counseling.
• Effectively apply knowledge of the legal system and community resources as it relates to sexual violence and the individual survivors.
• Develop, implement and actively participate in agency outreach and prevention education programs i.e. doctor’s offices, religious organizations, social service agencies, women’s organizations, community organizations, etc. Some events might be outside or regular business hours.
• Network and collaborate with local communities, partners, and organizations formal and informal, including representing program at relevant meetings.
• Demonstrate knowledge of sexual abuse, statutes, and community resources.
• Create, coordinate and facilitate support groups for survivors of sexual assault.
• Support co-workers and work with diverse teams utilizing best practices to inspire better thinking and solutions
• Collect statistical data including participant demographics, and program effectiveness.
• Assist Director in meeting progress reporting obligations including quarterly and annual reports.
• Attend staff, personnel, and professional development meetings and trainings assigned, including, but not limited to, WFC and SACS staff meetings.
• Follow legal and ethical standards related to job responsibilities and uphold all obligations of mandated reporting.
• Accept other responsibilities and additional projects and related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree in human service discipline required.
• One-year experience in sexual assault field or two years of professional experience in human service field required.
• 2 – 4 years counseling experience preferred.
• Ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures of the SACS department.
• Experience in counseling, public speaking, and/or outreach activities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English required.
• Bilingual a plus.
• Demonstrate flexibility to accommodate a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations required.
• Experience in sexual assault crisis intervention desired.
• Must have available/reliable transportation during office hours and on-call shifts.
• Must obtain and maintain certification as Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor required.
• Excellent organizational skills, detail oriented, disciplined self-starter.

Substitutions Allowed – Applicants who do not meet the qualification as stated are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibly of this position.

For immediate consideration interested candidates should submit resume, cover letter, educational credentials and contact information for 2 professional references.

AA/EOE