Teen Dating Violence Specialist

Lutheran Settlement House is part of a movement rooted in radical compassion and focused on making lasting, meaningful change in people’s lives and in our community. The voices of our clients guide our work, telling us what supports they need and what needs to change in our city. Our staff shares deeply held values that make us a welcoming, responsive, and reliable safe haven for some of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable populations. We accompany our clients in times of crisis, we are catalysts for building community, and we joyfully celebrate the strength of those we serve. If this sounds like you, if you’re looking for a workplace where you can live out your values and a workplace that values your growth and development, we invite you to apply.

Scope of Position:            

Lutheran Settlement House is seeking a full-time Teen Dating Violence Specialist to support a newly funded expansion of the STAR (Students Talking About Relationships) Program. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to facilitate interactive groups and trainings on healthy relationships for teens and young adults as well as manage a caseload of individual clients.  This position will recruit and support 10 teen ambassadors to be trained in the STAR curriculum, and then co-facilitate it in their own schools. This position is hybrid with three days onsite and two days working from home, but is subject to flexibility pending school schedules and community events. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.

This will involve not only coaching and support of the teen ambassadors, but also excellent communication and coordination with the participating schools and research partners on the grant. This position is an excellent opportunity to creatively address teen dating violence in Philadelphia and help prevent the intergenerational cycle of violence.

Functions and Duties:

• Facilitate the STAR (Students Talking About Relationships) program in schools located across Philadelphia and nonprofit agencies that work with youth.
• Provide coaching and mentorship for 10 teen ambassadors throughout the school year. As part of the STAR expanded program, this position will co-facilitate STAR workshops with teen ambassadors in their respective schools.
• Foster partnerships with Philadelphia schools and nonprofits to expand the STAR program.
• Coordinate Summer STAR Leadership Academy, a 6-week long intensive paid service-learning program for youth to learn about healthy relationships and social justice.
• Provide individual counseling for teens and young adults who experience intimate partner violence using an empowerment-based model. Counseling includes safety planning, goal planning, and client advocacy.
• Represent the agency at relevant external meetings, task forces, networks, and committees as assigned.
• Collaborate with the Community Engagement Specialist to conduct trainings for adults and teens in the community to grow their awareness about dating violence.
• Provide regular, ongoing task supervision to any interns working with the STAR program.
• Provide scheduled coverage on the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline to provide support and resources for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
• Coordinate and plan events for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. 
• Support with walk-in clients and in-office coverage as needed.
• Actively participates in required trainings and supervision in accordance with program and agency guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Graduate work in social work, counseling, public health, or human services is desired; bachelor’s degree in the field of human services is required.
• Excellent group facilitation and discussion, counseling, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, deep respect for youth and understanding of youth development, knowledge of community resources, and sensitivity to the needs of domestic violence victims and their families.
• Completion of a state mandated 40-hour domestic violence training is required and can be completed upon hiring.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred but not required.

LSH is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all. Regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or identity, we firmly believe that we serve our communities best when everyone feels free to be their most authentic self.

We value diversity and are committed to promoting it! We are an equal opportunity employer and applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

·      Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as agency-funded life and disability insurances.

·      We offer 8-weeks paid parental leave for staff (eligible after one year of service) who give birth, adopt, or foster a new child in their home.

·      Our paid time off package includes an annual 3-4 weeks of vacation, 12 days of paid sick time, and 5 personal days to use at your discretion.

·      We observe 16 organization-wide holidays, and an early close on Fridays during the Summer.

·      Our 401k retirement savings program offers a 1% match, and we offer pre-tax flexible spending accounts for health, travel, and dependent care.

·      We value growth and learning, and offer trainings and conference participation whenever possible. We value the voices of our staff, and we offer mini-grants for staff to pilot new ideas in their work.

·      We are offer flexibility for classes, internship possibilities within our organization, and the availability for social work licensure supervision.

·      We understand that employees are people first and foremost, and are committed to an overall supportive and flexible organizational culture.

·      Our work is critical but we know it’s not easy, so we aim to infuse joy wherever possible. Whether we are offering free yoga and exercise classes, ending all-staff meetings with Karaoke or Bingo, or committing steadfast to a snack-based meeting culture – we aim to balance the weight of our work with laughter and levity as often as we can.