Stopping the Violence Counsellor

Stopping the Violence (STV) Counsellor

Job Summary:

The Stopping the Violence Counsellor will provide counselling support to women (inclusive of cis, non-binary and trans women) who have experienced sexualized violence or abuse, intimate partner violence or childhood abuse . The counsellor will work from a trauma informed, Feminist based, client centred perspective. The client’s needs will be explored, and in partnership with the client, the development and implementation of counselling goals, will be offered, using a variety of therapeutic counselling techniques. The STV counsellor will support clients in understanding the emotional, cognitive, and physical impacts of experiencing abuse and violence. As well as develop, strengthen and support the client’s self-efficacy. The counsellor will be responsible for case management of clients and will work with individuals, small groups and will report directly to the Clinical Director for support and supervision.

Reports to:

Clinical Director

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide consultation and work collaboratively, where appropriate, with other local agencies who provide services to individuals  who have been victims of sexualized assault, childhood sexualized abuse, family violence, and other violent crimes.
• Provide counselling services to individuals based on a feminist perspective.
• Refer to other services when clients’ needs are beyond the scope of this program.
• Advocate on a client’s behalf when necessary.
• Maintain accurate written reports and records on clients; ensure that all required documentation is complete and confidential.
  

Education, Training and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a related human service field and/or equivalent experience.
• An understanding of the women’s issues which include but are not limited to the dynamics of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, childhood abuse, and secondary trauma.

Job Skills and Abilities:

• Well developed interpersonal, counselling skills and excellent oral, and written communication skills.
• Good organization, time, and general management skills.
• Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques.
• A thorough understanding of trauma.
• A thorough understanding of the cycle of abuse and impact of violence.
• Ability to develop a mutually respectful partnership with clients and their families which will help clients gain the necessary skills and confidence to address the issues and problems they face.
• Sincere belief in the capacity of people to grow and change.
• Ability to work in partnership with other team members.
• Ability to set limits and maintain a helping role of the practitioner and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served and other family members.
• Sensitive and responsive to cultural differences in the client population.