“Going to court, getting a restraining order, standing before a judge, facing my abuser…it was completely terrifying. Having RESPOND by my side kept me going. I knew I could do it.”
RESPOND has been working to end domestic violence and homelessness in our communities for nearly 50 years. By joining our team as a Domestic Violence Counselor/Civilian Advocate in the Coordinated Safety Response Program, you will be embedded across police stations, the Suffolk County House of Correction, and court; partnering with law enforcement, corrections staff, and the justice system to help people experiencing domestic violence find safety and a life free of abuse. RESPOND’s three tenets focus on our life-changing work, our diverse team, and our commitment to learning.
The Domestic Violence Counselor’s Work:
This is a full-time position where approximately 80% of your time is spent in the field, embedded at police departments, in court, and at the Suffolk County House of Correction and 20% is spent working out of our Community Service Center. Each day will look different as you move between fast-paced settings helping people in crisis find immediate solutions and a pathway to a life free of abuse. Your days may include:
- Working with domestic violence survivors in 1:1 settings to provide crisis intervention, counseling, and a plan for immediate and long-term safety
- Providing follow-up services to victims of domestic violence named in police reports
- Accompanying survivors to court, supporting clients through the restraining order process, and providing emotional support before a judge
- Representing RESPOND at the Suffolk County House of Correction, facilitating psychoeducation and support groups, and collaborating with custody and non-custody staff to support incarcerated survivors and post-release.
- Actively participating in multidisciplinary teams, including local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, DCF case managers, and other DV organizations to collaborate on high-risk situations
- Conducting intakes and assessments and coordinating entry into RESPOND programs and/or shelter
- Helping a teammate out! Supporting a colleague or program in need of an extra set of hands
The Team you will be working with:
- Local law enforcement, corrections professionals, and criminal justice partners
- A wide variety of community members, local schools, and diverse programs
- Staff committed to social services, social justice, and the belief that housing and safety are human and fundamental rights
- Experts in diverse fields including domestic violence, criminal justice, early education, social work
- People who work hard and play hard! This work is tough; we bring our A-game every day. When we use our ample Paid Time Off, your teammates like to travel, bake, go shopping, watch/play sports, volunteer, and binge TV shows.
What you will Learn, model or teach:
- How multiple systems, law enforcement, courts, and corrections, can work together to keep survivors safe and hold offenders accountable in the communities we serve
- Trauma-informed services are the cornerstone of RESPOND’s work. Program participants are treated with dignity and respect.
- Extensive training: RESPOND will provide at least 25 hours of domestic violence related training during orientation, plus ongoing professional development opportunities
Your Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:
- At least one year of case management, civilian advocacy, or relevant experience working with individuals and families
- Ability to work in loud, high-stress environments with people who have experienced domestic violence
- Desire to provide domestic violence counseling while embedded in police departments and correctional settings
- Background check compliant with police department and correctional facility requirements; ability and willingness to abide by state and SCHOC employee guidelines
- CJIS certified or ability to become certified
- Access to a personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and willingness to travel daily across multiple locations in RESPOND’s service area
- Practice cultural sensitivity and ability to relate to persons of diverse backgrounds, including the LGBQ/T community and individuals with histories of substance abuse and/or mental health challenges and different ethnic and social backgrounds
- Bachelor’s degree or High School Diploma/HISET or GED with 4 years’ equivalent work experience strongly preferred
- Must have or be willing to obtain the 25-hour Domestic Violence Training Certification
- Second language(s) strongly desired/preferred
RESPOND Compensation and Benefits include:
- Opportunity to join an established, well-respected team
- Competitive hourly pay with opportunity for overtime at time and one half the hourly rate for work over 40 hours in one week
- Ample accrued paid time off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 2 personal days, 12 sick days, and 13 holidays
- 401k match of 3%
- Excellent health and dental insurance that is 80% paid by employer
- No-cost $25k life insurance policy
- Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care accounts
- Additional vision, life, and illness policies available at cost to employees
Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have at least 1 year of experience providing direct services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or other trauma-affected populations?
- Do you have access to a reliable personal vehicle and a valid driver's license for travel to community partner sites? Mileage is reimbursed.
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Somerville, MA 02143 (Required)
Work Location: In person
