About Us
The Crisis Center for South Suburbia is a non-profit community organization that provides emergency shelter and other essential services for individuals and families victimized by domestic violence and addresses the societal issues that contribute to domestic violence.
Today, the Crisis Center for South Suburbia operates a 54-bed emergency shelter and has annual impact on the lives of more than 10,000 people. With a staff of more than 83 employees and a budget of over seven million dollars, the Crisis Center continues to grow while offering free services to Chicago’s south suburban communities.
Why Us?
In both service provision and fundraising, we maintain the highest professional and personal ethical standards. We respect the diversity of the individuals we work with and serve. Each person’s contributions are valued as we work together cooperatively with open communication. We continually evaluate the effectiveness of our services, with established channels for feedback and accountability. We believe in teamwork, individual excellence, and accountability.
We embrace a history founded in creating equity – we take our principles seriously by courageously committing to a culture and workplace where all staff feel safe, welcome, visible, respected, supported, and valued.
We offer competitive salaries, health, dental, vision & life insurance, 403B matching, flexible schedules, opportunity for advancement, paid time off, wellness resources, training and development, performance-based bonuses and more.
As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage people of varied races, ethnicities, national origins, tribes, religions, ages, gender identities and expressions, genders, sexual orientations, marital statuses, disabilities, veteran/reserve national guard statuses, socio-economic statuses, thinking and communication styles to work with us.
Across our agency, we are working together to support the life-changing mission of ending domestic violence for individuals and families with the transformational impact of lives without abuse.
Position Description
Job Title: Substance Abuse and Harm Reduction Counselor
Program: Victim Services
Reports to: Senior Director of Victim Services
Schedule: Monday – Friday –Varies, including Nights & Weekends
Classification: Full Time-Exempt
Job Classification: Advanced Practioner
Step Differential: Step _?__
Cell Phone Group: N/A
Mileage Allowance Group: Submit
SUMMARY: Provide trauma informed individual and group services to adult survivors of domestic violence who are struggling with substance abuse issues in shelter. Work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide counseling, prevention, assessment, referral, advocacy, and a range of other client centered services. The primary focus of this role will be helping survivors develop healthier coping mechanisms, reducing harm associated with substance abuse, and promoting overall well-being. |
JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Client Services:
- Conduct assessments on adults who may be exhibiting emotional and behavioral issues related to domestic violence and/or substance abuse.
- Develop effective and individualized service plans with clients. Regularly monitor and update client’s progress towards identified goals; complete client evaluations.
- Provide weekly individual, evidence-based and trauma informed services to clients in shelter.
- Provide domestic violence education to victims of domestic violence.
- Develop individualized safety-plans with all clients and update as needed.
- Assess progress and success of interventions through agency approved outcome evaluation tools.
- Participate in case consultations with colleagues and/or program staff regarding client progress, challenges, and treatment plans.
- Provide crisis intervention services to clients as needed.
- Provide accurate, appropriate, and consistent referral services; maintain knowledge of agency, community, and social service resources; provide advocacy as needed.
- Facilitate therapeutic and recreational groups and activities for clients who are dealing with substance abuse issues that contribute to clients’ overall well-being
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the unique needs and challenges of each survivor.
- Develop personalized treatment plans that address substance abuse, trauma, and other mental health concerns.
- Offer education and support around harm reduction strategies, empowering survivors to make informed choices regarding substance use.
- Collaborate with other professionals within the shelter, such as therapists, case managers, and medical staff, to ensure holistic care for survivors. Serve as resource and in-house SA expert with team.
- Assist survivors in accessing community resources, including substance abuse treatment programs, support groups, and other relevant services.
- Provide a warm handoff to partner agencies when advanced services or higher-level support is required.
- Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of client progress, ensuring compliance with all legal and ethical standards.
- Participate in trainings and professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Program Specific:
- Adhere to state and professional licensing guidelines necessary to maintain current licensure.
- Remain current on relevant clinical research and best practice therapeutic interventions.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest research, best practices, and developments in the field of substance abuse and harm reduction, domestic violence, comorbidity in all its forms.
General and Administrative:
- Participate in client staffing, department meetings, supervision with supervisor and other meetings and trainings as required.
- Responsible for accurate and complete documentation of client services and submission of paperwork within the agency’s time frame.
- Maintain client files and ensure their completion in accordance with internal and external auditing processes.
- Successfully complete 40 hours of ILCADV domestic violence training; remain current in the field of domestic violence by attending in-services, workshops, etc. relevant to the field.
- Participate in the facilitation of 40-hour training classes as needed.
- Follow all CCSS policies and procedures for client safety, confidentiality, and services; work consistently and responsibly with staff, volunteers and interns; maintain appropriate boundaries with clients.
- Other duties as assigned.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
KPI: Establish relationships with and provide trauma-informed/harm reduction services to all clients in shelter EVIDENCE: Supervisory observation, review of contact documentation in files.
KPI: Meet with clients consistently for individual or group counseling sessions. EVIDENCE: Review of contact documentation in files.
KPI: Implement individualized service plans within the first two sessions and update plans as needed. EVIDENCE: Review of individualized service plans in files.
KPI: Complete all service documentation and turn in to data entry on a weekly basis. EVIDENCE: Review of documentation turned into data entry weekly.
KPI: Meet monthly productivity goal of 65% direct client contact. EVIDENCE: Review of monthly Info net and productivity reports.
KPI: Ensure client files are in compliance with CCSS and funder guidelines. EVIDENCE: Review of PQI outcomes, independent file reviews and supervisor observation.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education Required:
- BA Required, MA or MSW in Counseling, Social Work or Psychology preferred. Valid Driver’s License
Experience Required:
- Experience working with DV Victims and individuals struggling with substance abuse Certification as a substance abuse counselor (CADC) 2 years’ experience as a CADC counselor Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction principles, and evidence-based practices in substance abuse treatment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PPT) The ability to maintain confidentiality of Client and Administrative Functions.
Credentialling Required:
Skills Needed:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills Read and understand written information Work autonomously and productively Highly organized, strong attention to detail Problem Solver, team member and sound judgement
- Empathy, sensitivity and cultural competence to work with individuals from diverse background.
- Must have the ability to create a comprehensive plan and follow through on each detail. This person must be highly organized, have excellent relationship building skills and experience, and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.