Therapist/Licensed Therapist

Do you feel strongly about helping and empowering people?

Are you at a point in your life where you're hoping to learn new skills?

Does the opportunity to work with volunteers sound rewarding?

DVSSP is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t match every requirement in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may be a great fit and just the candidate we are looking for!

The Benefits of being a DVSSP Employee:

• Flexible Scheduling 
• Paid Training
• Competitive Pay
• Annual education opportunities 
• Internal Advancement 
• All employment levels enjoy a Comprehensive Benefit package including PTO, Sick Time, Agency Vehicle use for work related travel, and access to an on-site therapist at no charge! 
• Full time employment and certain levels of part time will enjoy the following additional benefits: Pension, Life Insurance, Extended Paid Leave, Medical/Dental/Vision, and eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program!

Like what you hear? Then let's get into more detail!

Core Competencies

• Supports and speaks in positive terms about DVSSP mission and others in the organization.
• Takes initiative to do more than is required or expected in the job.
• Demonstrates genuine enthusiasm for learning new skills and assuming new/changing roles.
• Takes full accountability for meeting commitments and achieving expected results.
• Accepts challenges and uses creative approaches to assess and solve problems.
• Exhibits a primary prevention mindset as a means toward ending domestic violence.
• Supports and role models the core values of trauma informed care.

Effective Practices and Essential Functions

• Confidentiality Statement: Upon accepting employment with DVSSP you will not disclose or use any DVSSP confidential information, either during or after your employment.
• Demonstrates respect for others by sharing information objectively and non-judgmentally and adjusting verbal and written communication strategies for different audiences, using appropriate language, and guarding against abuse of power and sexual misconduct.
• Effectively communicates with others by using available technologies. Ensures that own communication is easily understood by speaking and writing clearly and using standard grammar and spelling.
• Makes prudent use of resources by monitoring consumption, minimizing waste, and offering suggestions for improving agency efficiency (e.g. travel expenses, office supplies).
• Effectively carries out job responsibilities by familiarizing self with pertinent program plans, policies, and overall agency goals and working cooperatively as part of a program team.
• Provides a culturally competent and flexible approach when working with those from various cultures by acknowledging, accepting, and accommodating differences.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential.

Job Duties

• Provide culturally competent and trauma informed counseling services to DVSSP clients.
• Facilitate and/or co-facilitate therapeutic groups for DVSSP clients.
• Communicate with and interview clients, assessing issues and identifying treatment goals.
• Develop and implement treatment programs, with client input, that clients can interpret and follow.
• Be aware of community referral sources and refer clients to appropriate supportive services to supplement in-house counseling/therapy.
• Perform continued assessments and develop new treatment strategies as warranted.
• Develop service provision plans for clients that reflect trauma informed principles and philosophies, assuring that all DVSSP services are trauma informed.
• In accordance with signed Consents to Release, coordinate with area service providers to assure adequate services for DVSSP clients.
• Operate under DVSSP’s rules and policies, maintain adequate and appropriate client records as directed.
• Complete and maintain counseling notes and documentation within 24 hours following the treatment session, excluding weekends and holidays.
• Support the efforts of implementing trauma informed services throughout the organization’s service sites.
• Complete all required and recommended continuing education requirements.
• Stay current with updated research and best practices.
• Actively participate as a positive member of the DVSSP staff.
• Contribute creative and innovative ideas to improve program quality while limiting overhead costs.
• Serve as an external face in the community, promoting DVSSP programming and services. Cultivate and maintain solid relationships with referral sources, organizations, and the community.
  
  

Skills, Abilities, Education, Qualifications, and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Counseling or Clinical Psychology or a related field of study.
• At least two years of post-degree experience preferred.
• Actively working toward Licensed status required (if not already licensed).
• Knowledge of modern counseling practices and methods, with particular emphasis on trauma informed philosophies and care.
• Knowledge of and adherence to existing professional ethical standards.
• Must be sympathetic and compassionate to each client’s issues, with the ability to form and maintain effective counseling relationships with clients. Ability to monitor client movement in the therapy process and terminate client relationships in appropriate ways.
• Ability to adequately plan, implement, evaluate, and report activities as directed.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, both in person and by telephone, and ability to effectively communicate in writing and to prepare written documents.
• Ability to travel regularly between DVSSP sites, and occasionally travel to meetings as directed.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Emotionally stable, sensitive, and mature with the demonstrated ability to deal with various types of people effectively.
• Ability to identify problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, identifying unique yet effective approaches to treatment.
• Maintain good standing with the appropriate board and insurance entities.
• Skill in working with a variety of cultures.
• Skill in working independently and implementing time management strategies.
• Ability to provide necessary self-care.
• Ability to demonstrate positive team interactions with other DVSSP staff.
• Awareness of personal strengths and appropriate timing for referrals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be non-judgmental, fair, and unbiased.
• Flexibility, a sense of humor, and ability to deal with crises.
• Sensitivity to and knowledge of domestic violence.
• Mission-driven and self-directed with demonstrated passion for those impacted by domestic/interpersonal violence.

Clearances, Certifications, and Physical Requirements

• Final determination of suitability for employment will be contingent upon a successful:
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint processed in accordance with Public Law 92-522 and the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23, Pa C.S. Chapter 63), Federal Criminal History Background Check.
  • Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
  • PA State Police Report of Criminal History Clearance.

The statement contained herein describes the scope of responsibility and core competencies of this position, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.  HOURS:  Full-time position, hours per week as determined by needs of the program.