Community Counseling Advocate

Purpose of Position: To provide empowerment counseling and support to
survivors of domestic violence who disclose abuse in hospital and/or
clinical, residential or community settings.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to the Community Counseling Coordinator.
Other Relationships: Community and County agencies, Medical Professionals,
AWP staff, volunteers, and community partners/resources.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
1. Provide crisis and empowerment counseling to survivors of domestic
violence that support the Values, Vision and Mission statements of the
agency.
2. Working with individuals to create change in their lives, which supports
ending gender oppression and interpersonal violence.
3. Provide a supportive trauma-informed environment to engage in mutual
dialogue that allows the survivor to learn, grow and develop new knowledge
and insights.
4. Provide services and resources to survivors of domestic violence that
provide empowerment counseling services to both individuals and groups that
have a centralized focus on survivor safety, well-being and autonomy.
5. Provide education about trauma and domestic violence while providing
support to client in safety planning, goal setting, exploring options, and
providing resources/referrals. Determine appropriate continued support plans
for clients when additional trauma-focused support is needed.
6. Incorporate trauma related injuries and education into the information
provided to survivors of domestic violence.
7. Develop and maintain relationships with collaborative community partners
and resources to better serve survivors of domestic violence.
8. Assist domestic violence survivors referred by medical settings with
aftercare needs, including providing on call support to medical referrals.
9. Daily data entry in order to maintain accurate statistical databases.
10. Provide services remotely through phone or telehealth counseling options
as needed.
11. Assist with donations and pantry management as needed.

Criteria/Requirements:
1. Commitment to AWP’s Values, Mission and Vision statements.
2. Adherence to the Personnel Policies of AWP
3. Successful completion of Domestic Violence Direct Service Training course
and continuing educational requirements.
4. Honesty and trustworthiness in all relationships.
5. Commitment to ethical guidelines and behavior in all settings.
6. Excellent and effective written and oral communication skills.
7. Ability to make independent decisions and solve complex problems.
8. Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
9. Emotionally resilient and able to withstand pressure on an on-going basis.
10. Deals with difficult situations while maintaining quality of services.
11. Adapts readily to changing work environments, work priorities and
organizational needs.
12. Reliable Transportation

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and/or
2 years of related work experience
Bilingual in both written and orally preferred but not required
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and basic counseling and case management
skills

Characteristics:
1. Treats all people with respect, values diverse populations and cultures.
2. Self-motivated and able to work independently.
3. Demonstrated degree of initiative and creativity.
4. Must be flexible and have the ability to multi task.
5. Anticipates problems and seeks resolutions.
6. Ability to prioritize tasks and requests and work in a confidential
setting.
7. Reliable, personally responsible and trustworthy.
8. Willingness to work varied hours including some weekends and evenings.
9. Data Entry Skills.
10. Microsoft Office, Outlook and Excel Proficient.

JOB DIMENSIONS:
Assignment and Approval of Work:
The Community Counseling Advocate receives direction and supervision from the
Community Counseling Coordinator.

Financial Responsibility:
1. Estimate and request prior approval from supervisor for any expenses that
will be incurred.
2. Accurate and routine reporting of mileage and travel expenses.

Data Reporting:
1. Daily, accurate recording of all client data into necessary databases.

License/Certifications:
1. 3/34 clearance
2. Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License
3. Valid vehicle registration and insurance

Physical Demands/Environmental Conditions:
1. Operation of office equipment
2. Routine travel
3. Willingness and ability to work varied hours, including nights and
weekends a month
4. Exposure to cleaning supplies, office chemicals and insecticides.