Counseling Program Director

YWCA West Central Michigan•Grand Rapids, MI

13d

About The Position

The Director of Counseling provides leadership, coordination, and clinical expertise for YWCA West Central Michigan’s trauma‑informed counseling programs. This position ensures high‑quality, evidence‑based, and survivor‑centered counseling services for adults, children, and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. The Director carries a caseload for direct client work, provides clinical supervision to staff and student interns (approximately 4‑5 annually), and collaborates closely with the Vice President of Crisis Services & Community Programs and the Manager of Prevention & Empowerment to develop and deliver fee‑for‑service training and consultation to employers and community organizations. These external trainings increase awareness and equip workplaces to identify and address the impact of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in professional settings.

Requirements

Master’s degree in counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or a related field.
Current clinical licensure in Michigan (LMSW, LPC, LMFT, LP, or equivalent) required.
Minimum 7-10 years of post‑master’s experience providing trauma‑informed counseling to survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence.
Experience providing clinical supervision to staff or interns.
Demonstrated ability to train or present effectively to professional audiences.
Commitment to cultural humility and understanding of how trauma, oppression, and systemic inequities intersect.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing or managing program budgets.
Familiarity with evidence‑based and culturally responsive interventions for complex trauma.
Experience delivering workplace or organizational training on violence prevention or trauma awareness.
Strong data and outcomes evaluation skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of YWCA’s trauma‑informed counseling programs.
Carry a counseling caseload (individual, child/family, or group interventions) consistent with expertise and agency needs.
Provide ongoing clinical supervision and consultation for licensed staff and interns, fostering reflective, ethical, and trauma‑informed practice.
Ensure services align with state and national best practices in domestic and sexual violence response and trauma recovery.
Maintain high standards of confidentiality, documentation, and compliance with professional codes of ethics.
Oversee program staffing, intern onboarding, and field placement partnerships with local universities.
Analyze counseling program data and outcomes; contribute to program reports, funding proposals, and presentations.
Work collaboratively with internal departments—Advocacy & Resource Services, Shelter, HEAL, and Prevention & Empowerment—to ensure seamless, survivor‑centered service delivery.
Co‑develop and co‑facilitate fee‑for‑service trainings, workshops, and consultations for employers and community agencies on recognizing and responding to intimate partner violence and sexual assault in the workplace, building trauma‑informed and survivor‑supportive policies, and creating psychologically safe environments for employees.
Support the mission‑driven goal of diversifying revenue through education, fee‑for‑service models, and consulting partnerships.
Partner with the VP of Crisis Services & Community Programs and other managers to create integrated systems of care, trauma‑informed policy development, and innovative programming.
Provide subject‑matter expertise to organizational planning and external collaborations.
Demonstrate and promote YWCA’s values of empowerment, inclusion, justice, and respect in all interactions.