Domestic Violence Hotline Counselor (full-time)

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:

Under the supervision of the Bilingual Domestic Violence Program (BDVP) Hotline Supervisor, the Hotline Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and referrals to victims of domestic violence and their families through the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline (PDVH). In partnership with three other DV organizations, LSH covers the hotline, Monday to Friday, 7am-9pm. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm, though hours may vary based on hotline needs. The Hotline Counselor ensures the normal ongoing operations of LSH’s hotline phone systems during their shift. This position is on site at LSH’s main office in the Fishtown neighborhood.

Functions and Duties:

• Provides hotline coverage during their shift.
• Provides trauma informed telephone crisis counseling, advocacy and referral services to victims of domestic violence and their families.
• Maintains accurate confidential participant records and documents client contact and related hotline activities in BDVP’s secure database on a regular basis.
• Maintains up-dated and accurate resource and referral system on domestic violence, Protection from Abuse (PFA) court orders, drug and alcohol use, mental health, housing/shelter, and other related issues. Remains current with local, state and federal laws that impact services to domestic violence victims and their families.
• Participates in team and staff meetings, trainings, and other LSH-BDVP functions as required.
• Meets regularly with Hotline Supervisor for supervision to review hotline activity, service issues, and other program matters. This includes a routine review of service documentation and other program information to assure compliance with program standards and agency service goals.
• Other related duties needed to further the mission, vision, and values of the program and agency-at-large.

Qualifications:

• An Associates degree in human services or a high school diploma (or equivalent) is preferred.
• Experience in hotline work, fast-paced environments, crisis counseling, de-escalation, or mental health is a plus.
• Ideal candidates are expected to demonstrate strong listening and problem-solving skills, work effectively with a diverse group of individuals, and show flexibility.
• Completion of a state mandated 40-hour domestic violence training and 5 hours of double staffing is required. This is a paid training and can be completed upon hiring. Upon this training, candidate is expected to demonstrate understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, and sensitivity to the needs of domestic violence victims and their families.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred. Bilingual in other languages is a plus.

LSH is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all and 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.

Benefits include:

• Our benefits include low cost medical, free 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.

Proficient in English (reading/writing/verbal communication), Bilingual English and Spanish preferred, and compensated commensurately.