High Risk Counselor

Job Title: High Risk Counselor                                                  Department: Domestic Violence

Reports to: Supervisor of DV Services                                               Effective Date: October 2025

Schedule: Part-time, 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday                Remote Position: No

Job Summary:

As a High-Risk Counselor, you will serve as a liaison between the YWCA and local Police Departments to provide essential services to victims of domestic violence. This role involves crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, identifying high-risk cases, data collection for High-Risk Response Teams, and delivering educational activities and training focused on high-risk prevention and response. You will also work towards changing community attitudes and beliefs about intimate partner violence by promoting healthy, non-violent relationships.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide crisis intervention services and individual/group counseling and advocacy to victims of domestic violence in both community settings and the agency.
• Collaborate closely with local police departments, Victim Advocates and the District Attorney’s office to ensure seamless support for victims.
• Collect and maintain data outcomes for various funders and ensure timely reporting.
• Assess participants' needs and identify high-risk cases that require additional intervention.
• Help participants develop and adapt safety plans to enhance their protection.
• Maintain strict adherence to confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• Provide consultation to police departments regarding high-risk indicators and cases
• Actively participate in  High Risk Team meetings.
• Participate in the YWCA's Coordinated Community Response Network (CCRN) to promote collaborative efforts in addressing domestic violence.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date written documentation for participant records, in compliance with agency policies.
• Collect and report required monthly statistics for program evaluation and funder reporting.
• Attend agency meetings, in-service trainings, and community education events as required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community resource contacts to better support clients.
• Adhere to all YWCA Central Massachusetts Domestic Violence Services policies and procedures.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with professionals from various disciplines, including law enforcement and legal teams.
• Ability to assess crisis situations and intervene appropriately, with a focus on safety and victim advocacy.
• Strong understanding of domestic violence dynamics, including high-risk behaviors and intervention strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with data entry and record-keeping.
• Comfortable with public speaking and providing training and education to diverse community groups.

Education and Experience:

• Knowledge and experience in domestic violence advocacy, crisis intervention, and victim services.
• Familiarity with criminal justice processes and an understanding of high-risk cases in domestic violence situations.
• Experience working with diverse populations and understanding of cultural sensitivities.
• Experience working with community resources and collaboration with law enforcement agencies is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.