Counselor/Advocate

COUNSELOR/ADVOCATE Pittsfield office Elizabeth Freeman Center (EFC) seeks a passionate counselor/advocate to work in its Pittsfield office to provide counseling and advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This position includes overseeing the Housing Stabilization Program providing transitional housing with strategic economic and housing advocacy for its participants. Responsibilities: Provide survivors of domestic and sexual violence with support, advocacy, and assistance, including: o assessing their circumstances and emergency needs and providing assistance to meet those needs; o offering individual counseling and support groups; o safety planning; o working as part of our Economic/Housing advocacy team to develop expertise in supporting survivor goals for financial stability o advocating on issues of housing, finances and benefits, children, education, mental health, and substance abuse; o referring victims to services including other EFC services (e.g. court support) and community resources (including Community Legal Aid, the District Attorney\'s office, housing resources, etc.), with follow-up as appropriate Contribute to outreach and collaboration efforts, including liaising with community partners, providing community education, disseminating program outreach materials, and tabling at community events Maintain professional boundaries with individuals receiving EFC services, maintain excellent records in agency database, and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure client confidentiality Complete all other duties to further EFC\'s mission and to ensure that survivors are safe and are provided with professional, empathetic, affirming services within the context of the agency\'s mission and consistent with grant and legal requirements Qualifications: Demonstrated commitment to providing survivors of domestic and sexual violence with holistic, accessible, trauma-informed, strength-based victim services and advocacy Demonstrated commitment to providing affirming, culturally relevant services to marginalized survivors (including rural, LGBTQ, immigrants, and survivors living with disabilities) Experience working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence strongly preferred Excellent organizational skills Bilingual English and Spanish strongly preferred Ability to work well as part of a team Ability to work effectively with community groups Willingness to transport clients when safety is not an issue Effective written and spoken communication, and proficient computer skills Bachelor or Associate Degree (may be waived for relevant, comparable level of work or life experience) Must successfully pass Criminal Record Check-CORI, be found suitable to work with children, and have valid Massachusetts driver\'s license and reliable transportation. Work Hours: 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work required for outreach and counseling activities Compensation and benefits: Elizabeth Freeman Center believes in offering all staff: competitive salary and benefits, engaged and dedicated colleagues, training and education in best practices, career development opportunities, openness to innovation, and the opportunity and resources to do meaningful, impactful work. This position begins at \$22.00 per hour (\$45,760/year) plus \$1.00/hour increment for bilingual English/Spanish skills, additional increments for other frequently used languages, special skills and education, and a year-end stipend depending on funding (generally around \$2,500 prorated by hours). EFC pays 85% of health insurance premiums and contributes to an FSA. EFC has generous paid leave as well as other benefits. EFC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are bilingual/bicultural, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.