Job Summary:
The Domestic Violence/Victim Services Counselor (DV/VS) supports AFG’s mission, and the goal to deliver trauma-informed and intensive therapeutic counseling/advocacy services. This specialized service will support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other related crimes against individuals and their families. The DV/VS Counselor will partner with survivors or their loved ones to promote healing, access resources, and restore stability to lives disrupted by abuse through individual/group meetings, and other evidenced-based practices.
Key Responsibilities:
• Screen, clinically assess and process referrals for intake into the DV/VS program.
• Develop treatment plans for program participants. Provide individual and family counseling.
• Provide crisis intervention and referrals for mental health services. Assess psychosocial needs.
• Facilitate therapeutic support groups that meet the specific needs of program participants.
• Acts as a partner and advocate with participant in navigating systems.
• Participate in case conferences to moderate and ensure client progress. Prepare a case conference report twice each month. Complete progress evaluations, discharge summaries and letters to referral sources.
• Establish relationship with participants drawing on motivational interviewing.
• Participate as a trainer in delivering DV/VS training.
• Maintain accurate and complete treatment files. Complete HMIS documentation.
• Prepare a case conference report twice each month. Complete progress evaluations, discharge
summaries and letters to referral sources.
• Develop strong relationships with other agencies to facilitate client access to needed services.
• Participate in community activities and assist with the distribution of educational materials.
• Maintain aftercare contact with program participants.
• Works as an integral and collaborative member of the team and contributes to the case review process to ensure coordinated support.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the Director of OES.
Demonstrated Abilities:
• Solid organizational and case management skills.
• Ability to set priorities, take initiative and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, diplomacy, empathy, and tact.
• Good decision-making, conflict-resolution, and effective listening skills.
• Ability to manage crisis, cope with job stress and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Knowledge in crisis intervention, trauma-informed services, lethality assessments and safety planning are desired and demonstrated success collaborating with peers and solving problems.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Acquired Knowledge:
• Requires a master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field of study
and a Limited License MSW (LLMSW) or State of Michigan licensure; plus
• At least 3-5 years of experience working with victims/survivors of domestic violence or other sexual crimes, and homelessness. Lived experience is a plus.
• A minimum of 1 year of clinical experience, and familiarity with the Detroit community and its
resources are strongly preferred.