Job Description

Division/Unit: Survivor Services Bureau/Counseling

Civil Service Title: Community Associate

Position Title: Counselor

Salary Range: $69,188 - $69,188

Job Description:

The New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) has an immediate opening in its Survivor Services Bureau (SSB)for an Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (IPSV) Counselor. This position will provide trauma-informed counseling and therapeutic services and conduct client engagement to survivors of sexual violence and domestic violence. In this position the IPSV Counselor is responsible for providing counseling and therapeutic services to assist all crime victims, witnesses, and their families. These services may include short term counseling, crisis intervention, community referrals, orientation to the criminal justice system, case status updates, and court support. Services will be provided in all office locations, including the main Office downtown, the Harlem Office, and/or the Washington Heights Office.

There may be opportunity to be selected to focus in the areas of; Child victims, Men of Color, Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI), Elder abuse, Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct counseling/therapy sessions in either individual and/or group setting as well as mental health evaluation and concrete needs assessments to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, witnesses and their families.
• Additionally, the counselor will provide therapeutic support to all crime victims, witnesses and families impacted by crime prosecuted by the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
• Direct engagement with all victims, witnesses, and their families including explaining the criminal justice system, connecting them with services, conducting outreach and follow up calls; maintaining on-going contact to ensure they are receiving support and services.
• Conduct crisis intervention interviews and needs assessments; assist with safety planning.
• Update SSB leadership regarding caseload, activities and initiatives.
• Update Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Chief and Deputies regarding caseload, activities and initiatives.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to assist all crime victims and facilitate referrals to appropriate agencies. Follow up contact with victims to monitor their connection to services.
• Assist with a range of direct services such as crime victim compensation applications, emergency shelter placements; partner with SSB Victim Service Advocates for additional concrete services.
• Follow up contact with all victims to monitor their connection to services.
• Victim support and court accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process.
• Maintain accurate up to date case files as well as maintain statistics.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the Survivor Services Bureau (SSB) when directed.
• Act as a liaison between victims, families, and Assistant District Attorneys.
• Introduce victims to the prosecutorial process and provide case status information.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• Master’s degree in social work and License or;
• Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and License; and
• New York State LMSW/LCSW or LMHC.
• Preferred Requirements/Skills:
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence.
• Familiarity with the crime victims and/or criminal justice system.
• Written and oral Spanish, or Mandarin, or Cantonese, or Korean, or French fluency.
• ASL proficiency.
• SIFI certified/eligible a plus.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of confidentiality and sensitivity to victim issues a must.
• Ability to handle high caseload and set priorities.
• Excellent engagement, crisis intervention, and assessment skills.
• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff in a team-oriented environment.

How to Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours/Shift:

• Shifts could vary between, 9 am - 5 pm, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, 10 am - 6 pm.
• Overtime may be required, including nights and weekends.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least 1 year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.
• One (1) year commitment to the hiring unit.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above."

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office serves and protects the People of New York through the fair administration of justice, without fear or favor. The Office’s Professional Staff perform a variety of key functions, including supporting the Trial Division, Investigation Division, Special Victims Division, Pathways to Public Safety Division, and Appeals Division, which handles all the Office’s matters in state and federal appellate courts.

Professional Staff members perform a variety of key functions for the Office, including supporting the five Divisions, as well as other prosecution support and office functions. Our Professional Staff receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, as well as unparalleled opportunities for professional development.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and culturally responsive workforce. Given the diverse nature of our community, the ability to work with people of different backgrounds is critical. The Office seeks to have a staff that reflects the diversity of the community that we serve. To that end, all applicants will be considered without regard to actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, age, prior record of arrest; or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.