JOB TITLE: Counselor Advocate

HOURS: Full time

CATEGORY: Professional, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Lackawanna County Program Manager

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Counselor Advocate will assist teen and young adult victims of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence and stalking residing in Lackawanna County. Provide empowerment counseling to victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence and stalking through individual and group counseling. Provide accompaniment to court and hospitals for support and advocacy. Assist victim/survivors in navigating the criminal justice systems and advocate within systems to ensure responsiveness to the needs of victims. Educate area teens and young adults on safety and risk reduction for dating violence, sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking in collaboration with other community agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. *Provide crisis intervention, individual and group empowerment counseling to teen and young adult victims of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, who are impacted by the trauma.
2. *Facilitate support groups for teen victims of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence and stalking both on and off site.
3. *Develop and monitor individual service plans for program participants and make appropriate referrals to other agencies when necessary.
4. *Answer agency hotlines and respond to crises involving program participants. Provide accompaniment to police, hospitals, and courts as needed.
5. *Act as an advocate for teenage and young adult victims of sexual and domestic violence, dating violence and stalking and assist with victims’ compensation claims if and when applicable.
6. *Serve as agency on-call worker.
7. *Maintain client case records. Assist with collection of data for progress reports regarding victim’s knowledge on dynamics of violence and safety measures.
8. Act as a resource person for staff regarding teen and young adult dating violence, domestic & sexual violence.
9. Pursue ongoing professional training and education regarding domestic violence and sexual assault, feminist theory, community resources and other related topics related to underserved rural population.
10. Work in collaboration with other agencies in the community working with teens and young adults to conduct outreach activities.
11. *Attend staff meetings, participate in in-service training and volunteer training, and attend related professional activities as assigned.
12. * Uphold the mission of WRC and abide by WRC policies and procedures outlined in WRC General Operating Manual.
13. Provide notification and information to survivors on their rights as a victim, provide accompaniment to court, assistance with VCAP claims and preparation of victim impact statements in accordance with the terms of PCCD VOJO funding for victims of juvenile offenders.
14. Other duties as assigned to further the safety and security of the person being served.

COUNSELOR ADVOCATE QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master’s degree in social work or related human services field or
• A combination of four years education, experience, and skill in working with teens and/or victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
• Applicant must successfully complete the WRC crisis intervention training within six months of hire.
• Travel is necessary and access to reliable transportation is essential, including for training and development which may necessitate being out of the area for a period of time overnight stays.
• Pass Act 33 and Act 34 Clearances.
• Must be willing to schedule working hours to coincide with the priorities of the Center.

Submit Letter of Application and Resume to:

Lackawanna Co Program Manager
Women’s Resource Center, Inc.
PO Box 975
Scranton, PA 18501
Or
Email to: Lorip@wrcnepa.org

Deadline for submission: Monday, October 28, 2019