Job Description
Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) seeks a reliable and dedicated counselor/advocate to provide support, advocacy, counseling and crisis response for survivors of domestic and sexual violence This position is based in EFC's central county office in Pittsfield.
Responsibilities:
- Hotline and On-call counselor/advocate
o Offer counseling, advocacy, crisis response, information, and referrals for survivors of domestic and sexual violence calling EFC's 24/7 Hotline or walk into the central county office
o assess circumstances and emergency needs and provides assistance to meet those needs, including shelter, safety planning, and transportation, etc.
o address barriers to help or healing, and provide support
o if needed, advocate on issues of housing, finances and benefits, children, medical and mental health care, etc.
o connect survivors with internal and external community resources with follow- up as appropriate
- Be a backup reception coverage for lunch breaks and on an as needed basis. Answer telephone, screen and direct calls while covering reception
- General counselor/advocate as assigned to provide ongoing counseling and advocacy in individual and group settings
- Contribute to outreach and collaboration efforts, including liaising with community partners, providing community education, disseminating program outreach materials, and tabling at community events
- Maintain professional boundaries with individuals receiving EFC services, excellent records in agency database, and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure client confidentiality
- Complete all other duties assigned to further EFC's mission and to ensure that survivors are safe and are provided with professional, empathetic, affirming services within the context of the agency's mission and consistent with grant and legal requirements
Preferred qualifications include:
- Demonstrated commitment to providing survivors of domestic and sexual violence with holistic, accessible, trauma-informed, strength-based victim services and advocacy
- Experience in counseling, community organizing, and/or community engagement
- Skills in spoken and written communication, computer/technology, and teamwork
- Bilingual skills in English/Spanish strongly preferred
- Bachelor's or Associate Degree (may be waived for relevant, comparable level of work or life experience)
- Must successfully pass Criminal Record Check-CORI, be determined appropriate to work with persons under 18, have a valid Massachusetts driver's license and reliable transportation with willingness to transport clients when safe and appropriate
Work Hours:
40 hours per week, 9 am - 5 pm with occasional evening and weekend work required for emergencies, outreach and counseling activities
Compensation and benefits:
Elizabeth Freeman Center believes in offering all staff: competitive salary and benefits, engaged and dedicated colleagues, training and education in best practices, career development opportunities, openness to innovation, and the opportunity and resources to do meaningful, impactful work. This position begins at $22 per hour ($45,760 annually) plus an hourly increment for bilingual skills, other special skills and education, and a year-end bonus depending on funding. EFC pays 85% of health insurance premiums and contributes to an FSA. EFC has a generous paid leave policy as well as other benefits.
How To Apply
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to jobs@elizabethfreemancenter.org. Deadline is rolling until position has been filled.
EFC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. People who are bilingual/bicultural, of color, LGBTQ, and/or living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
