About this role
Position: Helpline Counselor
Reports To: Manager, Helpline
Department: Helpline
Location: Bronx
Classification: Part-Time (25 hours/week)
Work Model: In-Person
Compensation: $24.73/hour
Who We Are
Established by Black and Latina activists in 1984, the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) is NYC’s only culturally specific organization with a mission to address domestic and sexual violence within Latine communities. Each year, we provide intensive support and services to 3,500+ survivors and children and reach 15,000+ community members through community events and preventive education. We are committed to developing innovative programs that respond to the needs of our diverse community and reflect our organizational values.
What We Offer
As an organization led by and for people of color and survivors of violence, we care deeply about our team’s wellness. We offer flexible work schedules, opportunities for professional development, a staff-led wellness committee, time to play and laugh together, and more.
We are a work in progress and welcome input from our team as we continue building an affirming and uplifting workplace.
A Great Fit
This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate, bilingual professional who is passionate about supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
As a Helpline Counselor, you’ll provide confidential, survivor-centered support to callers experiencing domestic and sexual violence. You’ll help callers assess their immediate safety, explore their options, and connect with services and resources while respecting their needs, choices, and autonomy.
What You’ll Do
- Provide crisis counseling, emotional support, safety assessment, and safety planning to Helpline callers.
- Conduct intakes and shelter screenings and connect callers with VIP programs, emergency shelter, and other community resources.
- Respond to calls, voicemail messages, and referrals during assigned shifts and provide timely follow-up.
- Accurately document caller contacts, services, safety planning, and referrals in Salesforce and complete required shift reporting.
- Maintain accurate and complete records, identify language access or data concerns, and communicate issues to the Helpline Manager.
- Participate in required trainings and program and agency meetings and support other Helpline responsibilities as needed.
Specific Job Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
- Experience providing crisis intervention or hotline counseling is a plus.
- Ability to provide culturally responsive, survivor-centered support.
- Understanding of the needs and experiences of diverse communities, particularly Latine and immigrant communities, communities of color, and people with low incomes.
- Strong verbal communication and organizational skills.
- Strong computer and technology skills, including Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use phone and client database systems.
If you’re excited about this opportunity but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. We value transferable skills, a willingness to learn, and the different experiences candidates bring to their work.
The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.