Reports To:Program Supervisor/Supervising Counselor

Reports To:Program Supervisor/Supervising Counselor

TITLE:ADVOCATEHOTLINE COUNSELOR

DEPARTMENT:Advocate

REPORTS TO:PROGRAM SUPERVISOR/SUPERVISING COUNSELOR

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:Part Time

CLASSIFICATION LEVEL:Hourly;100% funded NYS Officefor the Prevention of Domestic Violence

POSITION SUMMARY:Provide immediate support, information, referral, telephone counseling, safety planning and advocacy to callers on the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline. Maintain a working knowledge of current information in regards to sexual violence, domestic violence; state wide resources and procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  1. Maintain a commitment to the mission and work of Crisis Services with a deep appreciation for and sensitivity to the guiding principles of the organization.
  2. Respond effectively to callers who utilize the New York State D/SV Hotline.
  3. Provided quality crisis intervention, crisis supportive counseling, advocacy services, information and referral services and safety planning for all callers.
  4. Ensure effective response for Spanish and/or non-English speaking callers.
  5. Acquire an expert knowledge of NYS D/SV resources.
  6. Log all required call into I carol system.
  7. Provide consultation as needed to other State wide providers who access the hotline
  8. Meet bi-weekly with supervisor.
  9. Provide 24 hour on-call direct (face to face hospital intervention and/or hotline) service and/or consultation to volunteer advocates.
  10. Requires mandatory on call responsibilities as per agency and policy guidelines.
  11. Participate in mandatory agency meetings and quality assurance activities.
  12. Attend required training and professional development opportunities.
  13. Must possess a valid driver’s license, with working vehicle.
  14. Perform all other duties as assigned by coordinatorfor the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the department.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge: Possess strong knowledge of domestic violence and sexual violence dynamics and effects, public awareness and crisis intervention services.This incorporates the abilityto establish a rapport with callers, identify their problems, reflect their feelings and explore their alternatives. Must be able to work independently. Demonstrate high level of compassion, confidentiality and understanding for clients. Knowledge of practices and principles of empowerment and ability to maintain ethical boundaries with clients. Must be able to exercise sound judgment and discretion, manage multiple tasks, and establish priorities in a rapidly changing and fast paced environment.

Education:Bachelor’s Degree in human service field, public health, social work or relevant field required.

Experience: Minimum 2 (two) years’ experience in human service industry; preferably providing direct services in sexual assault and domestic violence prevention work.Experience with crisis situations and quickly establishing rapport with clients preferred. Demonstrated ability and experience working with diverse populations.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal: Will maintain productive relationships with agency management, program staff, volunteers, union officials and employees.

External:Will work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders (e.g. hospitals, law enforcement agencies, community service organizations, government agencies, courts and families) to provide a comprehensive range of services including advocacy, counseling, crisis intervention, support and guidance to meet the needs of the clients and their families.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Professional office environment;no exposure to extreme heat, cold, dust, noise.
  • Travel is required.
  • 24 hours a week: Friday, Saturday, Sunday Midnight to 8:00 a.m.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:Primarily a sedentary position with occasional standing, sitting, bending and reaching required. A high energy level; comfortable performing faced paced, multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.

EEO STATEMENT:

Crisis Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

May 22, 20171