Counselor Advocate (Morivivi)

Position: Counselor Advocate

Department: Morivivi Safe Dwelling Program

Location: Bronx

Reports To: Morivivi Program Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Model: Hybrid, at least 3 days in the officr

The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) partners with Latinx communities to end gender-based violence. Created as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has always centered survivors in its leadership and has worked to create a community of staff that reflects the rich national, ethnic and racial diversity of the communities it serves. VIP runs four non-residential social service programs, two residential shelter and housing programs, and a robust community engagement team.

The Moriviví Residential Program is a 51-bed scattered site safe dwelling. The goal of this program is to provide short-term shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Supportive services offered at Morivivi include individual counseling, support groups, case management, children’s services, housing advocacy, and referrals for educational/vocational facilities and job preparation. Morivivi promotes healing, empowerment, and self-sufficiency while providing a safe and supportive environment free from violence.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct initial needs assessments to identify presenting needs and goals of the residents, re-evaluated on an ongoing basis;
• Partner with residents to create a safety plan, to be updated at regular intervals;
• Develop and advocate on behalf of action plans for residents, using a strengths-based approach;
• Provide intensive case management services that include domestic violence and crisis counseling, information and referrals, advocacy, and accompaniment services;
• Provide weekly sessions with individual residents to review ongoing needs and develop a plan for support;
• Complete program intakes and psycho-socials for prospective participants of the program;
• Promote positive relationships and mediate conflict among residents among participants, their families, and housemates;
• Coordinate activities and assist in facilitating events that promote community-building, individual development, and self-determination;
• Maintain proper documentation (record keeping, reports, and statistical information) in a timely manner for all clients;
• Provide complete and accurate information about resident outcomes and services;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, and other service providers to ensure high-quality, coordinated support;
• Adhere to mandated reporting requirements as they relate to such issues on child abuse/neglect; responsibly adhere to VIP protocols regarding the risk of suicide/homicide;
• Participate in various programmatic meetings: case conferences, all-staff meetings, team meetings, etc.;
• Participate in community outreach and /or educational workshops, as needed by the program;
• Provide coverage as needed; this includes, but is not limited to, on-call evening, overnight, and weekend coverage;
• Perform other tasks and administrative duties as directed by management.

Requirements:

• BSW or BA in a relevant field, or equivalent experience;
• Fully Bilingual (English/Spanish – verbal and written);
• A minimum of two (2) years of crisis intervention, advocacy, and counseling experience in the area of domestic violence, sexual assault, or related field;
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and excellent documenting skills;
• Must be well-organized and able to work both independently and collaboratively;
• Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low-income populations; must deliver services with cultural humility;
• Must be able to exercise good judgment and sensitivity at all times;
• Must maintain agency, program, and client confidentiality at all times;
• Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-Time, Non-Exempt position, working 35 hours per week with annual wages of $55,000.
• We cover 85% of the cost of medical insurance (United Healthcare/Oxford), dental insurance (Aetna), and vision insurance (VSP) for employee and spouse/children/family. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts are available.
• Flexible PTO Program, 13 paid holidays, a mid-year and end-of-year fully paid office closure.
• Half-day Friday schedule (optional)
• Commuter benefits (Mass Transit & Parking)
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Disability and Life Insurance policies