Stopping The Violence Counsellor

**Stopping the Violence Counsellor**:

- Job Description

**Title**:Stopping the Violence Counsellor

**Classification**: STV Counsellor

**Grid**: 14 P

**Reports To**: Counselling Manger

**Hours**:Permanent Part-Time position, 2 days per week (14 hours)

**Location**: Ann Davis Transition Society Chilliwack Administration Office

**Summary**:
**The Stopping the Violence Women's Counselling Program** is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. It primarily provides essential trauma-based counselling and support for women who have experienced sexual assault, violence in relationships, and/or childhood abuse. It is aimed at helping women move forward from their experiences of violence and abuse, so that they can carry on with their lives in a healthy and constructive manner.

The STV counsellor provides mid-range individual and group abuse counselling to women, generally 19 years plus. The STV program does not deal with serious mental health conditions: DID, cults, psychoses nor will STV offer services of a religious nature. This position is unionized and requires a mandatory membership with the BCGEU.

**Job Duties and Responsibilities**:
To perform the job successfully the STV Counsellor must be able to consistently perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Assesses the safety of the clients and their children and supports clients in reducing safety risks;
- Interviews clients, prepares case histories, assesses problems and outlines services provided by the organization;
- Provides individual and group counselling to clients from a feminist and trauma-based perspective using techniques such as therapeutic group counselling and self-skill workshops;
- Provides information on and referrals to other community service providers, resources and professionals as required;
- Facilitates the creation of group counselling / therapeutic groups in shelters and in the community;
- Participates in or initiates case conferences with other professionals as required;
- Maintains related records and statistics and produces reports as required;
- Maintains current knowledge of issues and resources related to abuse and violence. Conducts presentations and public awareness activities about services and issues;
- Attend and participate in staff meetings, case conferencing, and clinical supervision;
- In a 7 hour day 5 hours must be dedicated directly to clients;
- Facilitation and/or co-facilitation of various psychoeducational groups;
- Performs other related duties as required.

**Skills and Knowledge**
- Understanding of and working knowledge of the Family Law Act 2013
- Excellent understanding of violence against women’s issues both within dominant and non-dominant cultures
- Strong understanding and commitment to Ann Davis Transition Society for Women’s Mission, Vision, and Values
- Firm commitment to working from a feminist perspective, providing women centered, trauma informed and client centered approach and a pro-choice stance.
- Comprehensive understanding of social services and resources in the Fraser Valley and how to access them.
- Strong listening skills, written and oral communication skills including public speaking skills required.
- Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate information to others (i.e., case notes, reports and statistics)
- Demonstrated ability to provide crisis intervention and support for women.
- Demonstrated ability to support women through their journey toward healing and independence, through providing individual and group counselling and referrals as needed.
- Strong knowledge and experience of providing service to women in an integrated case management team environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse clientele, and cultural competency.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team and with referring authorities.

**Competencies**:

- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
- Staff act as role models, businesslike dress code, good boundaries and other professional and ethical behaviors are expected.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Able to work efficiently with mínimal supervision while contributing as a team member.
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Ethical standards as laid out by governing body (RCC etc.), adhere to ADTS policies Practice professional boundaries.
- Ability and willingness to work cooperatively with management.
- Utilize de-briefing opportunities with ADTS staff and management.
- Attention to own personal needs, stress management, emotional health.
- Demonstrate a sensitivity and understanding of the client population’s socio-economic characteristics.
- Have the ability to work with any client that is referred.
- Have the ability to work with values and behaviors that are very different from those of the employee.
- Ensure that personal values and beliefs are not insinuated, promoted, or imposed on the clien