Victim Advocate/Counselor Position: 

Background:
The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE) is a nonprofit organization, based in Philadelphia, dedicated to improving the quality of life for vulnerable older adults. CARIE was founded in 1977 primarily as an advocacy organization for the frail elderly. CARIE is recognized throughout the region and the country as a resource for a wide range of people and institutions seeking to resolve elder care issues. CARIE currently employs 22 staff with an annual budget of about $1,750,000. The work environment is best described as ambitious, congenial, and flexible.

Position:
The Victim Witness Counselor for the PAVE (Providing Advocacy for Victimized Elders) program will provide services that include individual counseling in the office, onsite or on the phone and group counseling for victims or witnesses age 60+. The counselor will work as part of the PAVE team as they identify and work to support victims and witnesses and will become involved with the consent of the victim/witness when additional emotional support is indicated. Issues commonly encountered include elder abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, acute trauma, and vulnerabilities due to aging and or disability. This new position reports to the PAVE Supervisor. The successful candidate will be a licensed professional who is highly organized, can prioritize well, and manage a wide range of responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete initial and on-going assessments with consumers to develop appropriate recommendations for future success
• Provide counseling/therapeutic support as needed either in-person, over the phone, onsite, in long-term care facilities, or in a consumer’s home
• Work with partner organizations to establish and facilitate group counseling sessions for older adult victims
• Work with PAVE Victim Advocate team to coordinate advocacy efforts and counseling needs
• Provide advocacy to prepare victims for legal proceedings and help with preparing Victim Impact Statements
• Attend staff meetings, appropriate community meetings, and required training
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

Masters degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field (candidate must hold a current license to practice). Training in Trauma-Informed services helpful.

Experience/Skill Requirements:

• Related clinical experience
• Experience in and/or knowledge of aging policy, resources for older persons and their caregivers, and the long-term care system
• Ability and desire to work collaboratively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Public speaking/training expertise
• Experience in and/or knowledge the criminal justice system helpful

Required Screening:

• Criminal Background Check
• Professional References

Physical and Mental Demands:
Must work well under pressure and have the ability to be creative and analytical. Must be able to travel locally, visit long term care facilities and use public transportation; operate office equipment including but not limited to computer, telephone, fax, copier; move freely around the office; sit or stand at a desk and telephone for long periods of time; communicate in person, and over the telephone, with individuals and groups. This position may require occasional work outside of normal office hours. Some lifting of 10-20 pounds may be necessary.

Compensation:
Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and out-of-pocket expense reimbursement for travel related to the job. This position is exempt from overtime compensation. CARIE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please mail or email cover letter and resume to:
Lori Walsh/Program Manager
CARIE
Two Penn Center 1500 JFK Blvd./Suite 1500
Philadelphia, PA 19102

[email protected]

no phone calls please