Counselor Advocate

Position:
Counselor Advocate, Queens‑Manhattan Community Program

Department:
Community Programs

Location(s):
Manhattan, Queens

Reports To:

Program Manager

Classification:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Work Model:
Hybrid

Compensation: $30.22/hour

# of Positions: 2

The Violence Intervention Program, Inc. (VIP) is the only culturally specific non‑profit organization in New York City serving Latinx survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the vast majority of whom are immigrants. Founded as a grassroots response to intimate partner violence and sexual assault, VIP has consistently centered survivors in its leadership and fostered a staff community that reflects the rich national, ethnic, and racial diversity of the communities it serves.

Today, VIP operates two community‑based programs serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens; four housing programs, including two shelters, Rapid Re‑Housing, and Home+; a bilingual helpline; and innovative programs focused on economic justice, sexual violence, restorative justice, and child and adolescent services.

The Counselor Advocate provides crisis intervention and self‑empowerment counseling in both individual and group settings to survivors of gender‑based violence. The role also delivers direct services, including holistic case assessment, case management, and advocacy across criminal legal, social welfare, housing, immigration, and other related systems.

• Conduct initial needs assessments on all clients and their children to identify needs and goals during the initial intake and reevaluate as necessary.
• Provide intensive case management services based on the program participant (s) needs/goals and service plan, including weekly (scheduled) case management sessions.
• Provide personal support for the families, including but not limited to translation and accompaniment services as it relates to public assistance and housing. School/education placement, health service, etc. Including assistance in the various unforeseen needs of the participant.
• Provide information and referrals; advocacy and accompaniment to participants throughout the legal, immigration, social, and human resources systems. This includes over the phone, in‑person, and through written correspondence promptly.
• Assist participants with educational needs by advocating for tutoring services, school placement, parent/teacher/child involvement, and medical services.
• Stay abreast of changes in entitlements and benefit resources and systems for information and referrals, advocacy and accompaniment as to secure needed services.
• Maintain proper documentation (case notes, reports, and statistical information) on time for all clients.
• Develop service plans with measurable outcomes and services identified by the program and funding source in a timely fashion. Include accurate information about participants’ outcomes and services to inform their counseling plan.
• Consistently assess clients' safety to ensure their security and that of their children, as their situation may shift with changing conditions. Create a safety plan as needed.
• Provide crisis and promote self‑esteem/motivation to participants, including identifying and providing referrals to outside therapeutic services as needed.
• Validate, support, and encourage strength‑based counseling with a focus on personal wellness and independence as identified.
• Work with age‑appropriate clients on an ongoing basis around the issues of conflict resolution, separation, diversity issues (including cultural, religious, and sexual orientation issues), etc.
• Provide interventions that promote positive relationships between clients, parents, their community, various institutions, and schools to enhance the positive development of clients.
• Facilitate weekly, monthly, and/or bi‑monthly age‑appropriate bi‑lingual support groups.
• Provide counseling, case management, and collaborate with multi‑disciplinary service providers and law enforcement weekly to provide wraparound services for walk‑in clients at the Family Justice Center.
• Work collaboratively with staff and other service providers consistently to ensure the highest quality service delivery.
• Adhere to mandated reporting…