Job Description
Position: Counselor/Advocate – Non-Exempt
STOP Grant Position Title:
Reports to: Direct Services Supervisor (DSS) (OR Vice President)
Supervises: N/A
Primary Responsibilities: This position is a member of the Implementation Team and is considered a high functioning, professional staff member on our team. The Counselor/ Advocate provides direct trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking, and maintains professional partnerships within Adams County systems. This position is required to represent the agency mission, speak as a representative of the agency, and understand the difference between the agency agenda/perspective and a personal perspective and feelings. Many of the agency perspectives will be formed by YWCA USA, PCAR, PCCD or the Board of Directors. Due to the nature of agency programming and as is required by PCAR and PCCD standards, ethical principles are at the heart of all program implementation.
Duties & Responsibilities: To promote the mission of the YWCA Carlisle and Cumberland County by providing direct services to those affected by sexual violence, as well community wide education/empowerment programming within Adams County.
- Completes 40 hours of Sexual Assault Counselor Training within the new hire probation period.
- Ensures records are kept accurately and effectively maintains the confidentiality of vital client information according to agency standards.
- Provides crisis counseling, emotional support, safety planning, information, and referral to victims/survivors and significant others.
- Provides hotline coverage on a regular, rotating basis, including evening and weekend shifts.
- Responds to hospital, law enforcement, courthouse, and Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) accompaniments, arriving at the accompaniment site within one (1) hour of notification.
- Communicates all urgent follow-up needs, referrals, or case updates to the back-up supervisor immediately following the hotline call or accompaniment.
- Collaborates closely with the Direct Services Supervisor to ensure 24-hour availability of services and consistent case management.
- Provides individual counseling to victims/survivors and significant others of sexual violence and human trafficking using an empowerment-based approach. Carries a medium to large caseload.
- Assists clients in completing Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) applications, Sexual Violence Protection Orders (SVPOs), and Protection from Intimidation Orders (PFIs) as needed.
- Provides follow-up within 72 hours of in-person accompaniments to assess ongoing needs, provide safety planning, and offer additional referrals.
- Inputs all client information regarding demographics, victimization type, goal plans, and services rendered into the ETO database within 72 hours of each interaction.
- Participates in Adams County’s Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team (MDIT) and STOP Grant Team, representing the agency in collaborative victim response efforts, as assigned by DSS
- Participates in Adams County task forces including the DVSA Task Force and Behavioral Health Task Force to improve cross-system coordination and access to care, as assigned by DSS
- Maintains professional relationships with hospital administrators, SANE nurses, and Gettysburg College staff to strengthen crisis response and campus advocacy.
- Conducts outreach presentations, tabling events, and prevention education programs throughout Adams County to increase awareness of direct services.
- Assists with the coordination of support groups and psychoeducational sessions as assigned by the Direct Services Supervisor.
- Maintains accurate data tracking and provides monthly reporting to the Direct Services Supervisor in Adams County.
- Completes 10 hours of skills development through various meetings, conferences, networking events with community agencies on an annual basis.
- Maintains reliable access to agency email, secure network, and phone communication during scheduled shifts.
- Ensures agency vehicle use, personal travel, and mileage documentation comply with current YWCA standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned to support the mission of the YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County.
- All materials, curriculum, program plans and outlines are the property of the YWCA of Carlisle & Cumberland County
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Psychology, or related field or related work/volunteer experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to build collaborative relationships with multi-disciplinary partners, including hospitals, law enforcement, colleges, and community agencies and willingness to build and maintain professional relationships and conduct cold outreach as required for the position
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License as regular weekly travel throughout the county needed as part of community outreach and program presentations.
- Ability to provide current, acceptable clearances (Criminal, Child Abuse, FBI, and National Sex Offender Registry Verification) in accordance with YWCA policies.
- Commitment to serving all clients in a manner which facilitates healing and empowerment.
- Has or acquires basic knowledge of YWCA computer system. (Windows, Microsoft Office)
- Commitment to the YWCA mission.
To submit an application, we are asking that applicants email info@ywcacarlisle.org; They should set the subject line to"[JOB TITLE] [LAST NAME] Resume."