
HOTLINE COUNSELOR/ADVOCATE
The Hotline Counselor/Advocate provides direct services to primary and secondary adult and teen victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other serious crimes via the agency’s 24-hour hotline. This position is a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse as defined by PA Child Protective Services Law. Responsibilities require the exercise of independent judgment and knowledge of overall agency activities. The Hotline Counselor/Advocate is full-time, with hours generally from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. This position participates in on-call rotation. The Hotline Counselor/Advocate works mainly out of Transitions’ Buffalo Creek Center office (BCC) but will have hours spent in satellite offices and any other location within Transitions’ service area where service provision for victims is required.
Full-Time; Non-Exempt Position
Starting Salary: $15-18/hr ($31,200-$37,440)
*Starting salary determined based on education and experience. Click here to view our salary rubric.
Responsibilities
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*To download a PDF copy of the full job description click here.
1. Respond to calls on the agency’s 24-hour hotline. This includes but is not limited to:
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Crisis counseling;
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Safety planning;
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Empowerment and options counseling;
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referrals to other victim services programs;
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Referrals to community resources;
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Providing information about:
o Transitions’ services;
o Protection orders;
o Criminal Justice Process;
o Victims’ Rights;
o Victims’ Compensation Assistance Program.
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Connecting caller with other agency resources, including:
o Legal advocacy;
o Safe house;
o Individual and group counseling;
o Housing;
o Therapy.
2. Complete and maintain required documentation in Efforts to Outcome (ETO) software.
3. Maintain client confidentiality.
4. Ensure information and referral resource guide is up-to-date and available to all direct services staff.
5. Provide support to other staff through data entry in ETO for support group attendees.
6. Provide administrative support to direct services staff, including but not limited to:
Making copies;
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ETO data entry;
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Filing;
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Packet assembly.
7. Monitor and allow appropriate access to staff, clients, and vendors at BCC during shift utilizing technology.
8. Attend meetings and training as assigned.
9. Adhere to all agency personnel policies.
10. Participate in on-call rotation.
11. Perform other VOCA-eligible duties as assigned.
qualifications
1. Required: Completion of two years of college-level coursework or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above;
2. Demonstrated ability to counsel in crisis situations;
3. Excellent communication skills and computer literacy;
4. Awareness and interest in the impact of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other relevant issues to Transitions’ service population.
5. Must be familiar with community resources and knowledgeable about options available to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
6. Upon hire, must complete 80-hour Transitions Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Counselor Training.
7. Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and adequate motor vehicle insurance.
8. Must have Act 34, Act 114, and Act 151 clearances.
Transitions is an EOE. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.