Family & Neighborhood Counselor – County of Bergen Department of Human Services – Division of Alternatives to Domestic Violence

Under direction, of the Deputy Director, the legal support specialist provides counseling, case management, legal support, and community education to assist victims of domestic violence, by evaluating client needs and facilitating immediate support; does other related duties as required.

Job Responsibilities: (may include but not limited to)

• Assists and counsels’ individuals/families in solving problems which may have otherwise resulted in the filing of a formal criminal complaint.
• Through the use of counseling techniques, attempts to assist individuals/families to determine the cause of disagreement.
• Attempts to assist individuals/families in arriving at a solution to their domestic and social behavioral problems.
• Provide immediate support and referrals, collaborating with local shelters, legal services, and other support networks to address client needs.
• Analyzes relationships of individuals and family members in the neighborhood to devise a solution to domestic and   social behavioral problems.
• Participates in group sessions where parties involved try to resolve problems through open, frank discussions.
• Participates in regular meetings with the Legal Unit, Domestic Violence Intake Unit, and staff to coordinate efforts and share insights. Remains current on domestic violence law and procedures.
• Assist in coordinating the panel of volunteer attorneys who represent eligible Bergen County victims of domestic violence in restraining order hearings.
• Screen clients for the attorney stiped program based on established criteria.
• Prepares   reports   containing   background,   findings, and recommendations.
• Consults with court officials on cases referred to them.
• Support legal preparations, conduct Court Prep sessions, and draft summaries of legal publications relevant to the agency’s focus areas.
• Establishes and maintains working relationships with neighborhood organizations.
• Establishes and maintains necessary files and records.

Schedule:

• Full-time.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Sociology, Psychology, Guidance and Counseling, or Social Work.
• At least two (2) years of experience in Human Services.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Other Requirements:

• Bi-lingual – Spanish preferred.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to work well in a cooperative, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Please send employment application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.