JOB DESCRIPTION
Reports to: Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position reports to and is accountable to the Executive Director and is responsible for providing counselling to women who have experienced sexualized violence, violence in relationships or
childhood abuse. The Stopping the Violence (STV) Counsellor provides support to women and children leaving abusive situations and to women who want to understand historical traumatic experiences. In addition, the Counsellor accepts/makes referrals from/to the Ministry, victim’s services, families, and other community service providers.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Upholds and maintains a high standard of service to women receiving counselling according to the mandated standards, ethics, values, beliefs, philosophies, policies and objectives of the Society.
2. Provides direct client services of program intake, needs assessment; information and referrals for women within the context of contracted services.
3. Supplies counselling and support services for women, individually or in groups and provides follow-up support and referrals, upon client request.
4. Delivers presentations and public information/education sessions to local community groups about the STV services.
5. Support is provided within a person-centered and trauma informed lens.
6. Assists in the development, implementation and maintenance of operating policies and procedures, for the STV program, in conjunction with the Executive Director; and makes recommendations for changes to the program as needed.
7. Works collaboratively with STHS staff and external organizations in order to assist clients with their successful transition.
8. Maintains and reports monthly statistics. Maintains records and documentation and keeps the Executive Director informed of case load and outcomes.
9. Recognizes potential client crises, analyzes circumstances and dynamics with sound judgment, develops strategies to deal with crises and unusual incidents, documents unusual incidents and informs all individuals and agencies as necessary.
10. Participates in cross agency meetings related to counselling services, and shares issues and trends with external professional service providers.
11. Attends Staff Meetings and monthly Group/Individual Supervision sessions with Counselling Supervisor.
12. Promotes a safe workspace; following established safety procedures.
13. Engages in a positive working relationship with the Executive Director, staff, clients, and external organizations including municipal and provincial representatives.
14. Carries out other duties essential to the position as directed by the Executive Director.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Office and Community;
• Evening and weekends as required;

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• Operates personal computer for word processing, spread sheets, electronic mail, etc.;
• Required to operate standard office equipment such as facsimile, and photocopier;
• Proficient with various software applications such as MS Office.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in a related field such as counselling, family systems and child development theories; and
• Minimum of 2 years of recent supervised women’s counselling experience (formal or informal); or
• Equivalent combination of direct education and experience;
• Experience in both individual and group counselling;
• Satisfactory criminal record check;
• Valid BC Driver’s Licence, a reliable vehicle and appropriate insurance coverage;
• Experience working in a transition house an asset.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Sound knowledge and training in counselling, and awareness and analysis of various issues of oppression;
• Sound knowledge in the area of violence against women and children, and work from a feminist perspective;
• Sound knowledge of issues surrounding domestic violence including child protection issues;
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations and acts including the MCFD Act as it relates to violence, abuse and neglect and when to report;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to discuss issues in a language suitable to the audience;
• Displays patience, tact, passion and enthusiasm;
• Effective active listening skills;
• Resilient, assertive and the ability to stay calm under pressure;
• Ability to decipher client perception of reality;
• Ability to understand the diverse cultural needs of clients;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a variety of groups or individuals to best support clients and meet STHS objectives;
• Ability to work independently with limited direction, act on own initiative, set own priorities and meet tight and changing deadlines;
• Ability to keep current on the trends and issues and changes in counselling delivery models;
• Ability to work with vulnerable people especially women and children fleeing domestic violence;
• Ability to maintain strict professional standards of confidentiality and ethical behavior