Counselor / Advocate

Provides comprehensive support and advocacy services to individuals affected by domestic violence. This role includes responding to hotline calls, conducting confidential shelter and legal intakes, and offering options counseling, including after-hours emergency assistance. The position involves legal advocacy in civil and criminal proceedings, facilitating support and educational groups, and promoting system-level advocacy. Additional responsibilities include community outreach, accurate documentation and data reporting, and maintaining knowledge of local resources. The Counselor/Advocate ensures shelter readiness, performs basic facility maintenance, identifies and mitigates risks, and collaborates with staff and offices to deliver effective services. Travel is required.

1.     Receives domestic violence hotline calls, conducts confidential shelter and legal intakes and relocation applications, provides advocacy, support, and options counseling; including after-hours emergency and shelter services.

2.    Provides legal advocacy in civil and criminal court proceedings; ensures Crime Victims Compensation referrals.

3.    Conducts support and educational group services. 

4.    Conducts community awareness, outreach, and educational activities; provides system advocacy; travel is required.

5.    Creates accurate, organized, timely, and legible files and documentation; data is accurately collected, recorded, and reported. 

6.    Maintains comprehensive knowledge of community resources; provides information, referrals, and conducts follow-up.

7.     Ensures shelters have supplies necessary to support consumer needs; performs interior and exterior facility maintenance.

Bachelor’s degree and one year related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must have completed or be able to complete the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) 45 hour Domestic Violence Direct Service Provider Training.