Domestic Violence Counselor

Job Summary: Project SAVE has been a program of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans for over thirty years. Our program provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence in Orleans Parish Civil District Court. Our attorneys represent clients at their Protective Order hearings and help to empower them throughout the legal process. The Court may grant relief including temporary child custody, temporary use of the home and community property, and temporary child and spousal support.

The Domestic Violence Counselor will work for CCANO on a part-time basis. The Counselor will have flexible work hours and will be able to provide tele-health services to clients. The Counselor will follow best practices and adhere to ethical and legal mandates. The counselor is expected to maintain necessary client records, maintain confidentiality and work closely with the Program Director to exceed contractual compliance. She/He is expected to have specialized knowledge of the principles of Domestic Violence Counseling and the evidenced based principles of standardized treatment. Clients will potentially have complex histories and/or intervention needs. The Domestic Violence Counselor will be considered a mental health expert within Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) and may be called upon to consult with other programs within the broader agency.

Direct Report To: Program Director            Supervises: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Duties/Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

• Utilize appropriate assessment tools to identify client needs.
• Provide direct counseling and referral services, advocate for services, and do appropriate research when necessary.
• Manage the service plan.
• Conduct individual and group psycho-educational classes for victims as appropriate.
• Monitor behavior improvement and maintain progress reporting.
• Prepare and maintain agency required records on each client.
• Work cooperatively to maintain a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) culture reviewing data and making adjustments as needed to ensure positive outcomes.
• All duties as assigned by The Program Director.
• If licensed, obtain the necessary Continuing Education Units of credit to ensure your license remains in good standing.
• Consult with other CCANO programs as a mental health expert, as may be appropriate.
• May prepare written statements or occasionally provide court testimony regarding the client's case or the dynamics of domestic violence.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Sitting, Standing, Walking, Talking, sitting at a desk, and working on a computer. Must be able to lift fifteen pounds at times. Physical Demands: Sedentary physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature.

1. Stand less than 33% of time on duty.
2. Walk less than 33% of the time on duty.
3. Sit between 33% and 66% of time on duty.
4. Use of hands to finger, handle or feel over 66% of time on duty.
5. Reach with hands or arms less than 33% of time.
6. Full ability to talk and hear.
7. Correctable vision required.
8. Able to lift/carry up to 15 lbs.

Minimum Educational and General Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Master's in social work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, or other relevant behavioral science in which clinical experience is a program requirement from an accredited institution required;
• Minimum of two years of postgraduate direct service delivery and experience working with domestic violence victims.
• Valid State Board Licensure in Louisiana preferred.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population and sensitivity to the special needs of multi-cultural children, adults, and families.
• Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and attentiveness to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are necessary.
• Good knowledge of relevant community resources.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• Motivation and ability to work independently.
• Experience providing tele-health services.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and meet with clients at their preferred time.