DV Specialist

Shelter House Inc is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate DV Specialist to join our team. As a DV Specialist, you will play a critical role in providing support and resources to individuals affected by domestic violence.

The DV Specialist will be responsible for answering the crisis hotline and assessing callers for shelter entry eligibility. You will provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, support, and safety planning, while working in collaboration with community resources and referrals.

• Conduct crisis screenings over the phone with those seeking shelter entry into Fairfax County's shelter for those fleeing domestic violence or callers seeking DV/SV/Human trafficking/Stalking resources.
• Provide emotional support through supportive listening, trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and safety planning in addition to providing resources whenever possible and requested.
• Provide problem-solving, safety planning, education, advocacy to callers as appropriate.
• Provide appropriate community referrals and work collaboratively with other community agencies to provide comprehensive services for callers where possible and appropriate.
• Have a quiet workspace with reliable Wi-Fi connection to conduct calls professionally and privately while maintaining caller privacy.
• Answer every call that comes to the hotline during shift.
• Promptly document all calls in required systems, maintain strict confidentiality, and ensure all required information is gathered and recorded.
• Ability to navigate and utilize digital platforms for tracking/storing information.
• Submit all completed and required documentation no later than the end of a shift.
• Adhere to all agency and department policies and procedures.
• Remain knowledgeable of best practices related to DV/SV/Human Trafficking/Stalking as well as internal policies and processes that may impact shelter eligibility.
• Attend virtual supervision and staff meetings, ongoing training, and quarterly meetings, which may be in person periodically.
• Communicate regularly with Hotline Program Manager to report the start of your shift, any changes in your schedule, and any challenges you experience answering calls.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisor to seek support guidance during shift to process challenging calls if/when necessary.
• Consistent showing up to shifts on time and communicating in advance if unable to cover any agreed-upon shift.
• Ensure compliance with all agency policies.
• Exemplify the Shelter House core values; Inclusivity, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment.

• Must be a resident of NOVA (Northern Virginia).
• Reliable and stable internet connection.
• Quiet workspace.
• Bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, or related field or combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years' experience working with victims of DV/SV/ or Human Trafficking.
• Knowledge in counseling techniques and experience in trauma-informed domestic and sexual violence.
• Clear written communication.
• Active listening skills.
• Computer skills - including work, Excel, email, and the internet.
• Ability to maintain professional ethics and client confidentiality.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing priorities and make sound judgments.
• Ability to complete tasks while navigating frequent interruptions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

• Experience working with clients who have suffered trauma.
• Experience working in the fields of domestic violence and/or child abuse.
• Experience in a call center handling crisis situations.
• Must be familiar with trauma-informed care, especially as it relates to individuals experiencing domestic violence.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance.
• 401K contributions with a 4% employer match.
• 11 Paid Holidays, a Floating Holiday, and the opportunity to take your Birthday Off.
• Two Semi-Annual Team Building Events.

Shelter House Inc is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. We are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and respectful of all individuals. If you need an accommodation or have any questions, please email us.