Senior Counselor Advocate

Overview

Position: Senior Counselor Advocate
Department: Morivivi Residential Program
Location (s): Bronx
Reports To: Program Manager
Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Pay rate: $34.34/hr, non-negotiable

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.

Moriviví Residential Program is a 51 bed scattered site safe dwelling. The goal of this program is to provide short-term shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Supportive services offered at Morivivi include individual counseling, support groups, case management, children’s services, housing advocacy, and referrals for educational/vocational facilities and job preparation. Morivivi promotes healing, empowerment and self-sufficiency while providing a safe and supportive environment free from violence.

The Senior Counselor Advocate is responsible for providing supportive, trauma informed services for residents itionally, they will provide support for staff, hosting case conferences, provide oversight of client related program needs, and promote self-care strategies. The Senior Counselor Advocate will also conduct educational workshops for groups, assist in coordinating activities and provide up to date information regarding all new or revised benefits and housing options.

The Senior Counselor Advocate will identify systemic and individual service gaps and advocate on behalf of shelter residents to address those issues. The ideal candidate brings extensive knowledge of and experience with systems navigation, and strong skills to build positive relationships both internally with staff members as well as other service providers, community based organizations, and government entities. The candidate must have a collaborative approach to working with survivors and colleagues.

The Senior Counselor Advocate reports to the Director of Residential Programs works closely with a team of shelter advocates and facilities staff.

Essential Functions:

• 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) in 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…