Family Counselor (Advocate)

We believe all persons should be treated with equality, dignity and fairness. With high quality and culturally sensitive programs, delivered with integrity and compassion we are creating safety and self-sufficiency for survivors and their children.

Please submit a cover letter and list of 3 references.

The Domestic Violence Action Center is seeking a Full Time Family Counselor (Advocate)

• Full time position M-F, 8:30-4:30, downtown Honolulu.
• We pay for 100% medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 14 paid holidays
• Birthday Off
• 401K options with Mutual of America
• Generous PTO policy
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending

Goal

To assist agency's clients with long term advocacy, crisis support, support for balanced parenting and the strengthening of protective parenting, developing safety and self-sufficiency. Support survivors who are working to meet personal goals for safety and improved parenting as they’re­ build trust with their children and stabilize family affairs.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social  work or related  field and (3) years'  experience  working  with people who  have experienced  trauma,  and endeavoring to overcome  barriers,  change  life  patterns,  and improve  living circumstances. The  ability  to  work  with  people  in  crisis,  and  a  command   of problem  solving  and communication skills  (both  written  and oral). Working independently, the capacity   to work under pressure and multi-task is crucial.  Possess understanding of cultural factors as an influence of behavior and ability to mentor compassionate strength.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in facilitating groups, has a good understanding of the justice systems and community resource system.  Knowledge of feminist philosophy of violence against women.  Previous work in the not-for-profit sector and in service to the community.

Some Responsibilities Include;

• The Family Assistance Counselor (FAC) will conduct assessments of survivors referred to DVAC Pulama I Ka Ohana (PIKO) program and assist clients in development of effective Service Plans.
• Provide long term advocacy with survivors who are working to get safe, stay safe, access community resources, improve their parenting and make difficult decisions in their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Facilitate (either individually or with another FAC) groups with non-offending parent survivors of intimate partner violence.
• Facilitate groups with parent and children (between 7 and 18) focusing on building relationship and communication skills.
• Facilitate age-appropriate groups with children focusing on healing and personal growth.
• FAC will provide crisis support and counseling, safety planning and accompaniments to court and community appointments with survivors referred by.  DVAC programs or community allies.
• FAC will advocate on behalf  of  clients  with  any  and  all  institutions and  agencies.Counselor will assess when intervention is necessary and will always encourage the client to speak and act on her own behalf.
• Counselor will preserve client confidentiality and adhere to all PIKO policies in regard to timely delivery of program services and client confidentiality.
• FAC will keep updated and current  on  issues  by  attending  four  relevant  substantive trainings per year for the position and agency.
• FAC will document and keep accurate case summary notes and case files on each client
• FAC will practice good communication skills with DVAC in other agency programs and will document shared client information in person or via e-mail.
• FAC will keep track of statistics of monthly services and submit program services in a timely manner.
• FAC will assume duties as assigned to meet program and agency objectives.
• FAC reports directly to the O’hana Program Manager.