Violence Intervention Program

Counselor

• Conduct initial needs assessments to identify presenting needs and goals of the residents, re-evaluated on an ongoing basis;
• Partner with residents to create a safety plan, to be updated at regular intervals;
• Develop and advocate on behalf of action plans for residents, using a strengths-based approach;
• Provide intensive case management services that include domestic violence and crisis counseling, information and referrals, advocacy, and accompaniment services;
• Provide weekly sessions with individual residents to review ongoing needs and develop a plan for support;
• Complete program intakes and psycho-socials for prospective participants of the program;
• Promote positive relationships and mediate conflict among residents among participants, their families, and housemates;
• Coordinate activities and assist in facilitating events that promote community-building, individual development, and self-determination;
• Maintain proper documentation (record keeping, reports, and statistical information) in a timely manner for all clients;
• Provide complete and accurate information about resident outcomes and services;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, and other service providers to ensure high-quality, coordinated support;
• Adhere to mandated reporting requirements as they relate to such issues on child abuse/neglect; responsibly adhere to VIP protocols regarding the risk of suicide/homicide;
• Participate in various programmatic meetings: case conferences, all-staff meetings, team meetings, etc.;
• Participate in community outreach and /or educational workshops, as needed by the program;
• Provide coverage as needed; this includes, but is not limited to, on-call evening, overnight, and weekend coverage;
• Perform other tasks and administrative duties as directed by management.

Counselor Advocate

• Complete program intake and psychosocial for prospective participants of the program;
• Develop and implement individualized service plans for participants, using strengths based approach;
• Provide crisis counseling, information, referrals, accompaniment and advocacy as needed;
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments with shelter residents to identify economic goals and determine eligibility for benefits and housing assistance;
• Provide interventions that promote positive relationships among participants, their families and communities;
• Facilitate supportive and educational groups for residents
• Coordinate activities and events to promote community-building, individual development and empowerment;
• Maintain proper documentation (record keeping, reports and statistical information) on a timely manner for all clients;
• Provide complete and accurate information about client outcomes and services in a timely manner.
• Support residents to achieve their goals by connecting to educational and vocational opportunities and facilitate workshops for residents regarding systems navigation and self-advocacy;
• Assist residents to complete housing applications (NYCHA; CITYFHEPS, private housing, etc.);
• Advocate for full access to benefits and housing assistance, including advocacy by phone, accompaniment to appointments, and via written correspondence;
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors and other service providers to ensure the highest quality service delivery;
• Provide regular supervision to staff and interns
• Participate in various programmatic meetings: Case Conference Meetings, staff meetings, team meetings, Individual Service Plans, etc.;
• Conduct community outreach and /or educational workshops, as needed by program;
• Represent VIP at conferences, community meetings and special events; including promoting VIP services at all meetings and public functions, as directed by supervisor;
• Support and comply with the values and policies of the Violence Intervention Program;
• Report Language access issues as they occur to supervisors;
• Provide coverage as needed, this includes, but is not limited to, on-call evening, overnight and weekend coverage
• Perform other tasks as required, including any related supervisory and administrative duties as needed.

Counselor Advocate

Senior Counselor Advocate