The Domestic Violence Specialist will provide initial but not on-going direct client domestic violence services such as safety planning, counseling, advocacy and accompaniment to survivors of domestic violence who are involved with FCS. Services will also include technical assistance, consultation and presentations to FCS workers, attendance at FCS meetings (TDM, DV workgroups), and joint visits with FCS workers. This position also provides direct services to perpetrators to include minimal counseling sessions, referrals to support groups and batterer’s intervention programs.
- Provide domestic violence consultation and technical assistance services to FCS workers on cases involving the co-occurring issues of child maltreatment and domestic violence.
- Provide initial but not on-going direct services: telephone counseling, individual counseling, case management, advocacy, accompaniment, referrals and safety planning for survivors.
- Provide up to 6 counseling sessions for low-risk perpetrators, while referring out all others to partner agencies.
- Rotate on-call support via cell phone for PSWs on the weekends.
- Support the other Riley Center DV Specialist with case load and case debriefing.
- Make regular presentations to FCS staff through unit meetings, work groups and other meeting to keep workers aware of domestic violence practices and services available.
- Attend joint visits in homes with FCS workers to link survivors to domestic violence services.
- Participate in regular TDM, work groups and other FCS meetings at various FCS locations.
- Work closely and maintain relationships with the DV community and Riley Center partners.
- Participate in regular Riley Center and interagency meetings as needed.
- Maintain program paperwork and statistics in an accurate and timely manner (forms, statistics, and individual client files).
- Maintain up to date knowledge of domestic violence and community resources as well as child welfare policy and protocol.
- Work with the Director to develop strategic planning process regarding families navigating the system while experiencing DV.
- Participate in appropriate on-going staff development training.
- Provide support to DR Liaison as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- BA degree in social services or related field. Four years direct experience will be accepted in lieu of a degree.
- Domestic Violence Certification required.
- Experience working with survivors of domestic violence and in direct services.
- Working knowledge of San Francisco and Bay Area community resources and referrals.
- Working knowledge of child welfare (CPS) system and practices, and Differential Response Program.
- Ability to communicate and provide current information regarding changes in FCS.
- Ability to deal with and de-escalate traumatic situations (domestic violence, child maltreatment, and substance abuse)
- Demonstrated skills in program start up and development.
- Demonstrated skills in counseling, case management and client advocacy.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic reporting skills, including data entry, Excel and Word processing.
- Strong initiative and ability to work both independently and cooperatively, while holding strong boundaries.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries with co-workers, clients, volunteers and staff.
- Familiarity with Harm Reduction philosophy and approach.
- Understanding of domestic violence issues, especially in context to race, class, gender, and sexual identity.
- Knowledge, experience, and comfort working with a diverse community, including LGBTQQ, youth, immigrant, low income communities, communities of color and understanding the racial disproportionality within the child welfare system.
- Commitment to the mission of St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco.
$23.17 per hour. OPEIU union position. Kaiser paid in full for employee. Voluntary dental and vision. 403b retirement plan. Ten days vacation and sick per year.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.