Therapist

Therapist

Vera House, Inc. is a human service agency that provides unconditional care for individuals and families through comprehensive domestic and sexual violence prevention and intervention services. We believe in collectively serving members of the community and creating an environment of accountability for our services. We strive to provide our employees with flexible schedules, when possible, a level of autonomy to complete their work, and a culture of belonging.

Position summary

In this role, the Therapist will provide comprehensive counseling services to the survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including immediate support, individual and group therapy, and advocacy to client systems. The Therapist will provide therapy sessions weekly, which can include before or after-hour appointments on occasion, reaching for a 35 min. caseload when fully onboard. They will serve as a liaison to community members and partnering agencies, developing a positive working relationship, and helping to navigate community delivery systems.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Assist clients in identifying, understanding, and navigating available community resources based on client(s) needs.
• Provide immediate connection and support to clients as needed.
• Effectively manage challenging emotions while continuing to center client needs.
• Collect, analyze, and report program outputs and outcomes data in a timely manner.
• Respond to the 24-hour support line and participate in sexual assault callouts (may include after-hours) in Onondaga County, as needed.
• Facilitate groups for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violence.
• Maintain database and documentation in a way consistent with Vera House practices.
• Ensure a warm and welcoming environment.
• Provide referrals and systems advocacy.
• Responsible for providing additional client-related assistance wherever necessary, while adhering to all Vera House policies, procedures, and safety protocols, ensuring that all services are maintained in accordance with Vera House’s mission and vision.
• Maintain strong professional boundaries, limited to the extent of professional relationships, ensuring compliance, ethical and appropriate interactions.
• Other duties as assigned to support the Clinical department and agency needs.

Education, skills & experience

• Master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling or related field required.
• NYS License to practice preferred but not required at time of hire.
• New graduates encouraged to apply, some direct service experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of domestic and sexual violence including elder abuse a plus.
• Competent in trauma informed care through prior experience or coursework.
• Ability to work effectively with clients experiencing a high level of symptoms and lack of safety, developing a positive and compassionate rapport.
• Skilled in providing trauma-informed service with knowledge of de-escalation techniques.
• Must be adept at planning, organization, time management, with strong interpersonal skills, including both oral and written communication that centers healthy relationships.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to develop positive, compassionate rapport with people who have experienced domestic, sexual, or other violence.
• Adept at navigating complex dynamics and demonstrating critical thinking.
• Demonstrate cultural humility with clients, coworkers, and community.
• Adaptability to self-regulate through high intensity situations.

Salary Range

$28.00-$35.00 per hour/Non-Exempt ($54k-$70k annually)

$1,000.00 Sign-On Bonus for qualified new hires ($500.00 at 90 days, and $500.00 at 9 months from date of hire).

Vera House provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Mon-Fri (9am-5pm)