Senior Counselor Advocate

Position: Senior Counselor Advocate

Department: Morivivi Residential Program

Location (s): Bronx

Reports To: Program Manager

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Pay rate: $34.34/hr, non-negotiable

The Violence Intervention Program, Inc. (VIP) is the only culturally specific non-profit organization in New York City serving Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are immigrants. Founded as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has consistently centered survivors in its leadership and fostered a staff community that reflects the rich national, ethnic, and racial diversity of the communities it serves. Today, VIP operates two community-based programs serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens; four housing programs, including two shelters, Rapid Re-Housing, and Home+; a bilingual helpline; and innovative programs focused on economic justice, sexual violence, restorative justice, and child and adolescent services.

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.

The Senior Counselor Advocate is responsible for providing supportive, trauma informed services for residents at Morivivi. Additionally, they will provide support for staff, hosting case conferences, provide oversight of client related program needs, and promote self-care strategies. The Senior Counselor Advocate will also conduct educational workshops for groups, assist in coordinating activities and provide up to date information regarding all new or revised benefits and housing options. The Senior Counselor Advocate will identify systemic and individual service gaps and advocate on behalf of shelter residents to address those issues. The ideal candidate brings extensive knowledge of and experience with systems navigation, and strong skills to build positive relationships both internally with staff members as well as other service providers, community based organizations, and government entities. The candidate must have a collaborative approach to working with survivors and colleagues. The Senior Counselor Advocate reports to the Director of Residential Programs works closely with a team of shelter advocates and facilities staff.

Essential Functions:

• Complete program intake and psychosocial for prospective participants of the program;
• Develop and implement individualized service plans for participants, using strengths based approach;
• Provide crisis counseling, information, referrals, accompaniment and advocacy as needed;
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments with shelter residents to identify economic goals and determine eligibility for benefits and housing assistance;
• Provide interventions that promote positive relationships among participants, their families and communities;
• Facilitate supportive and educational groups for residents
• Coordinate activities and events to promote community-building, individual development and empowerment;
• Maintain proper documentation (record keeping, reports and statistical information) on a timely manner for all clients;
• Provide complete and accurate information about client outcomes and services in a timely manner.
• Support residents to achieve their goals by connecting to educational and vocational opportunities and facilitate workshops for residents regarding systems navigation and self-advocacy;
• Assist residents to complete housing applications (NYCHA; CITYFHEPS, private housing, etc.);
• Advocate for full access to benefits and housing assistance, including advocacy by phone, accompaniment to appointments, and via written correspondence;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors and other service providers to ensure the highest quality service delivery;
• Provide regular supervision to staff and interns
• Participate in various programmatic meetings: Case Conference Meetings, staff meetings, team meetings, Individual Service Plans, etc.;
• Conduct community outreach and /or educational workshops, as needed by program;
• Represent VIP at conferences, community meetings and special events; including promoting VIP services at all meetings and public functions, as directed by supervisor;
• Support and comply with the values and policies of the Violence Intervention Program;
• Report Language access issues as they occur to supervisors;
• Provide coverage as needed, this includes, but is not limited to, on-call evening, overnight and weekend coverage
• Perform other tasks as required, including any related supervisory and administrative duties as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s in relevant field, or comparable experience;
• Fully Bilingual, both verbal and written, in English and Spanish;
• A minimum of (1) year managing a team/staff/employees
• A minimum of (4) years crisis intervention, public systems navigation, advocacy and counseling experience in the area of domestic violence, sexual assault, or related field;
• Strong verbal, written, communication and documenting skills;
• Strong skills in systems navigation and knowledge on public assistance and housing.
• Must promote VIP values and comply with all VIP policies;
• Must be available for “on-call” evening and weekend hours, in the event of a residential emergency;
• Must be well organized and be able to work independently and collectively,
• Must be knowledgeable in working with diverse communities, particularly Latinx, people of color, and low income populations, and 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; and
• Must work well with a team and bring self-awareness and accountability to the workplace.

Please visit our website to apply and for more information about the role: https://violenceinterventionprogram.bamboohr.com/careers/

Compensation & Benefits

• Full-time, non-exempt position, working 35 hours per week with a pay rate of $62,517.00/year, non-negotiable.
• We cover 85% of the cost of medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents.
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Accounts available.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off program, 12 paid holidays, a mid-year and end-of-year office closure.
• Summer Friday schedule (optional)
• Commuter benefits (Mass Transit & Parking)
• 403b retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Disability & Life Insurance

Fully Bilingual, both verbal and written, in English and Spanish