Expect Respect Counselor (Grove Resource Center)

SAFE Alliance seeks an Expect Respect Counselor for the Community Services program in the Expect Respect department. The Counselor at SAFE provides survivor-centered and trauma-informed intakes, assessments, crisis intervention, and ongoing individual, family, and group counseling to youth and adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. The Expect Respect Counselor also provides school-based psychoeducational support groups, prevention programming, advocacy, and referrals to support healthy relationships and address dating and sexual violence among youth.

SAFE Alliance:

The SAFE Alliance exists to stop abuse for everyone by serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. We are dedicated to ending violence through prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive services for individuals, families, and communities that have been affected by abuse.

Over the past two years, SAFE has served 11,397 clients across our programs. During that time, SAFE reached more than 50,000 community members through over 2,000 trainings, provided more than 150,000 nights and days of shelter and housing support, and delivered over 53,000 crisis intervention and advocacy services through our 24/7 hotline, walk-in advocacy, and direct support programs.

No matter what your role at SAFE Alliance you will make a difference, because together we can Stop Abuse For Everyone.

Perks and Benefits of Working at SAFE Alliance:*

• Employee Only: Health insurance, short-term disability, and life insurance are employer paid with an option to purchase additional dependent coverage.
• Eligibility for Paid time off accruals of up to 15 days a year prorated based on hire date and hours worked.
• 8 standard paid holidays throughout the year.
• Depending on your date of hire, up to 4 Personal Holidays are granted to use at your preference throughout the year.
• A comprehensive voluntary benefits plan that includes dental, vision, flexible spending, and various insurance programs including pet insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an ability to contribute immediately. You can earn an employer match of 100% up to 1% of your pay and a discretionary contribution of 2% of your pay whether you contribute to the Plan, after one year of eligible service.
• SAFE Alliance benefit plans are effective the first day of the month following thirty days of continuous employment.

*Benefit plans and benefit start dates are prorated based on date of hire and hours worked. Eligibility in employer paid benefits, paid time off and holidays are dependent upon full-time employment status and/or hours worked and may be subject to change.

Application Information and Instructions:

• We do NOT accept applications or resumes via email, LinkedIn or any other social media messaging service.
• Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. You will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application whether you have been selected or not to move forward in the process.
• All new employees regardless of status will be required to start their employment on either the 1st or 16th of the month. If the 1st or 16th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the start date will be moved to Friday or Monday, respectively.
• All employees will be required to attend a three-day new employee orientation that is held both in-person and virtually the first three business days of the month.
• If you or someone you know are in need of our services, please call 512.267.7233, text 737.888.7233 or chat at safeaustin.org/chat.

Position Details:

We are looking for one person to work on a full-time, exempt basis for an annual salary of $67,767 to $69,683 dependent upon experience and an additional annual language differential of $3,600 for those who are English/Spanish bilingual.

Bilingual fluency in English/Spanish is preferred; fluency being the ability to clearly and accurately communicate to convey information using the Spanish language, both verbally and in writing.

The work location will be based at our Grove Blvd. Campus in the East Austin area. The position is field-based, with services primarily provided in assigned ISD schools throughout Travis County and surrounding areas.

This position will include some travel in the community or between campuses and will allow for some remote/hybrid work.

This position requires driving. You must have a valid, State of Texas Driver's License (If in possession of an out-of-state license, obtain a State of Texas Driver's License within 90 days of beginning employment.) AND at least three (3) consecutive years of driving experience OR one (1) year of driving experience if over 27 years of age AND an acceptable driving record that covers at least the last three years of driver history.

Pass all required criminal history background checks (including an FBI fingerprint check if applicable), as well as a pre-employment drug screen and TB test, if applicable.

All employees are required to comply with policies regarding COVID-19, which may be subject to change. COVID vaccines are still highly recommended, and we encourage employees to get vaccinated if they are able.

Work hours may vary based on school schedules, client needs, and program requirements. Evening hours may be required to meet client needs. Hybrid work may be available when operationally appropriate.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Expect Respect Counseling Director or Expect Respect Counseling Manager

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Position specific duties

• Facilitate weekly, school-based psychoeducational support groups addressing healthy relationships, dating violence, sexual violence, and abusive behaviors among youth.
• Develop and adapt racially and culturally relevant prevention curricula and educational materials for school-based programming.
• Coordinate with school counselors, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and administrators to identify students needing Expect Respect services and facilitate participation in programming.
• Help meet the program goal of serving 350 students per school year, with at least 90% of students surveyed at the end of the school year reporting that they have learned about healthy relationships.
• Serve as a liaison to assigned schools, maintaining collaborative relationships with school personnel to coordinate Expect Respect counseling and prevention services.
• Consult with school personnel regarding appropriate responses to incidents involving dating and sexual violence.
• Coordinate and deliver school-wide prevention activities, including faculty orientations, parent seminars, leadership training, and awareness education in collaboration with school personnel and the Expect Respect team.
• Collaborate with the Expect Respect team and Work-based Learning Programs to develop, implement, and evaluate summer youth programming, including the Summer Youth Leadership Academy, with an emphasis on social justice and violence prevention.
• Participate in community-wide prevention initiatives, youth engagement activities, and collaborative projects involving schools and community partners.
• Assess student safety concerns within school settings, including the impact of systemic factors on student well-being, and coordinate appropriate responses with school personnel and relevant authorities.
• Evaluate potential risks to students, staff, and volunteers; make appropriate reporting determinations and notify the Counseling Director or designated supervisory chain of identified risks.
• Coordinate with families, as appropriate, to obtain parental permission for student participation in Expect Respect programming.

Counseling & Client Support

• Conduct trauma-informed assessments, crisis intervention, and ongoing individual, family, and group counseling for survivors.
• Provide services both virtually and in person at SAFE campuses. May be required to provide services in community settings.
• Develop therapeutic treatment plans in collaboration with clients, outlining their goals and progress.
• Utilize diagnostic tools and coordinate with psychiatric and medical providers as needed.
• Offer referrals to community resources, mental health services, and advocacy support.
• Maintain compliance with mandatory reporting laws and confidentiality policies.
• Testify in court as needed and as deemed appropriate by supervisor consultation.
• Consult and coordinate with diagnostic multidisciplinary teams.
• Research and assist in finding appropriate internal and external resources and partner agencies for client care.
• Routinely schedule the required number of direct service hours per week, including evening hours to meet client needs.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Educate clients about legal systems and provide advocacy and support in legal matters.
• Collaborate with community organizations, legal services, and advocacy groups to enhance survivor services.
• May be required to present trainings on trauma-informed care and other survivor supports.
• May be required to assist with Crime Victims' Compensation applications and support services.

Administrative & Compliance Responsibilities

• Document client progress and case notes in accordance with agency, state, and grant guidelines.
• Complete required documentation within program timelines.
• Participate in required meetings, team-building efforts, and program planning.
• Maintain appropriate licensure and training to ensure compliance with best practices.
• Undertake various job-related tasks as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to support the team's objectives.

Required Qualifications

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered care and survivor advocacy.
• Ability to provide individual, group, and family counseling.
• Proficiency in electronic documentation, scheduling, and internal communications.
• Knowledge of therapeutic modalities and counseling techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and rapport-building skills with diverse populations.
• Strong problem-solving and crisis management abilities.
• Demonstrates cultural awareness and commitment to diversity.
• Possesses excellent counseling, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and time-management skills, attention to detail, and accuracy.
• Ability to solve problems under pressure, de-escalate crises, and effectively manage multiple or changing priorities.
• Knowledge of child development and therapy modalities appropriate for children and youth.
• Knowledge of sexual abuse and the effects of domestic violence on children, with the ability to build rapport easily with young people.
• Sensitivity to the needs of school systems and ability to work flexibly within different systems.

Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience in crisis intervention and counseling.
• Minimum of three years' experience working with youth individually and in a therapeutic group setting.
• Experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, child neglect, stalking, and/or trafficking preferred.
• Strong understanding of assessment tools, trauma-informed care, and group dynamics.
• Prior knowledge and experience working with diverse populations.

Education

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
• Must possess or obtain within 45 days of hire a current clinical license in Texas (LMSW, LCSW, LPC-Associate, LPC, LMFT-Associate, or LMFT).

Certification & Training

• Core Advocate Training required once within six (6) months of hire.
• HHSC Onboarding Webinars and Training required once.
• Serving Marginalized Communities training required annually.
• LGBTQIA+ training required annually.
• Mental Health training required annually.
• Substance Abuse training required annually.
• Office of the Attorney General (OAG) training, six (6) hours, required annually.
• New Employee Orientation is required for all employees.
• Department-specific training may also be required.

Physical Demand and Work Environment

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats.
• Substantial movements of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers in a repetitive manner.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, or move objects.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items and work with fingers.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time, including up to eight hours a day.
• Close vision (clear at 20 inches or less) and distance vision (clear at 20 feet or more).
• Work in a well-lighted, climate-controlled office environment.
• Moderate noise (e.g., business office with computers and printers, light traffic).
• Occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, or extreme temperatures.
• Exposure to emotionally challenging situations due to the nature of working with trauma survivors.
• Work environment is primarily schools in Travis County and surrounding ISDs, but may also include office and community settings.
• The position is client-facing, and the work environment may evolve into a crisis-driven environment requiring increased attention to immediate issues.

The purpose of this position description is to serve as a general summary and overview of the major duties and responsibilities of the job. It is not intended to represent the entirety of the job nor is it intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the position may be required or requested to perform other work duties not specifically listed herein. The organization reserves the right to modify, defer or rescind this position description at any time, with or without prior notice. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.