Domestic Violence Counselor

Child and Family Services of Erie County, Inc.•Buffalo, NY

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Domestic Violence Program provides comprehensive, trauma-informed services to individuals impacted by intimate partner violence. Through safety planning, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy we empower survivors to regain stability and rebuild their lives. The Domestic Violence Counselor plays a vital role on our team, supporting survivors through individual and group counseling, promoting long-term safety and stability, and fostering healing, empowerment, and resilience. The Domestic Violence Counselor plays a critical role in supporting survivors on their journey toward safety and healing. This position provides individual counseling, support and healing-focused groups, and assists clients with safety planning and resource connections. Using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach and Motivational Interviewing techniques, the counselor supports survivors while promoting empowerment, self-determination, and resilience. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the complex challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence and demonstrates the ability to provide compassionate, effective support in difficult and multifaceted situations. The successful candidate will exercise sound judgment, maintain professional boundaries, respect clients' rights to self-determination, and uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field.
Have at least two years of experience working in the domestic violence field or a related field serving individuals and families impacted by trauma, crisis, or interpersonal violence.
Possess a basic understanding of the dynamics of intimate partner violence (IPV), including the impact of trauma, power and control, barriers to accessing services, and survivor-centered approaches to support and advocacy.
Possess a basic understanding of the mental health and substance use challenges that may affect survivors of domestic violence and respond with appropriate support and referrals.
Demonstrate a commitment to empowering survivors through a trauma-informed, strength-based approach.
Possess the ability to work independently while maintaining professionalism, accountability, and strong collaborative relationships.
Have excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Hold a valid New York State driver's license and have reliable transportation for community-based work and travel.
Demonstrate sensitivity, fairness, and respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, Word, and Excel, and have the ability to accurately enter and maintain information in a case management database.
Demonstrate strong written documentation and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Spanish-English bilingual skills are highly desirable.
Experience providing individual counseling and facilitating support, psychoeducational, or healing-centered groups.
Knowledge of community resources available to survivors of domestic violence.
Experience with crisis intervention and safety planning, including supporting survivors of domestic violence who may also be affected by mental health and/or substance use challenges.
Experience using Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care principles.

Responsibilities

Connect with survivors through internal and external referrals.
Create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for individuals engaging in services.
Provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered counseling and support, including crisis intervention, safety planning, risk and needs assessments, emotional support and make appropriate referrals as needed.
Develop individualized, survivor-driven service plans that promote safety, empowerment, healing, and self-determination.
Provide individual counseling services to survivors of domestic violence, including shelter residents.
Utilize Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques in all aspects of service delivery.
Provide mobile counseling services, including in-person, virtual, and telephone sessions, to meet survivors where they are.
Answer domestic violence hotline calls, provide crisis intervention and safety assessments, and connect callers to appropriate services and resources.
Facilitate a variety of virtual and in-person groups that support healing, connection, and resiliency, including: Survivor support groups, Creative expression and healing groups, Mindfulness and wellness groups.
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, training, case consultations, and other agency activities.
Engage in ongoing professional development to strengthen skills and knowledge.
Model respect, inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and professionalism in all interactions with clients, colleagues, and community partners.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records, including progress notes, reports, data entry, and other agency documentation requirements.
Utilize agency technology systems, databases, and case management software in accordance with agency protocols.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation activities, and outcome measurement efforts.
Ensure compliance with all agency policies and procedures, including confidentiality, safety protocols, legal requirements, ethical standards, and administrative procedures.