Domestic Violence Specialist

SUMMARY:

            The Domestic Violence Specialist will primarily provide domestic violence services at Family & Children’s Services (CPS). Services will include technical assistance, consultation and presentations to FCS workers, attendance at FCS meetings (TDM, DV workgroups, MDT, Administrative Case Reviews), and joint visits with FCS workers. This position also provides initial but not on-going direct client services such as safety planning, counseling, advocacy, accompaniment and case management to survivors of domestic violence who are involved with FCS. This position requires life experience with Latino communities and fluency in English and Spanish.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.
• 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.
• Provide support to the DR Liaison.
• Attend joint visits in homes with FCS workers to link survivors to domestic violence services.
• Participate in regular TDM, work groups MDT, Administrative Reviews and other FCS meetings at various FCS locations.
• Provide initial but not on-going direct services:  telephone counseling, individual counseling, case management, advocacy, accompaniment, referrals and safety planning for survivors and perpetrators.
• Participate in regular Riley Center and interagency meetings.
• 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.
• Provide support to DR Liaison as needed
• Participate in appropriate on-going staff development training.
• Provide translation services, if bilingual.
• Attend DV Workgroup meetings at HSA as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA degree in social services or related field.  Four years direct experience accepted in lieu of degree.
• Domestic Violence certification required.
• Experience working with survivors of domestic violence in direct services is preferred.
• Above average English and Spanish reading, writing and verbal communication skills.
• 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 & Differential Response.
• Ability to deal with and de-escalate traumatic situations (domestic violence, child maltreatment, and substance abuse)
• Additional language skills preferred, such as Cantonese, Mandarin or Tagalog.
• Demonstrated skills in program start up and development.
• Demonstrated skills in counseling, case management and client advocacy.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to de-escalate situations.
• 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.

  The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco, Riley Center is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

  Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants for employment, with arrest and/or conviction records.