ASL Counselor

American Sign Language (ASL) Counselor (Grove Campus)

SAFE Alliance seeks an American Sign Language (ASL) Counselor for the Community & Housing Services Program in the Counseling Services department. The ASL Counselor provides survivor-centered and trauma-informed intakes, clinical assessments, crisis intervention and ongoing counseling for adults, children, families, and groups in ASL through telehealth, in-person at SAFE campuses or off-site at partner agencies in the community. The ASL Counselor also provides advocacy when appropriate. 
 

SAFE Alliance:

The SAFE Alliance exists to stop abuse for everyone by serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. We are dedicated to ending violence through prevention, advocacy, and comprehensive services for individuals, families, and communities that have been affected by abuse.

In the past two years, our community outreach and education has provided over 400 trainings to over 7,000 community members. Our various housing and shelter programs have provided over 46,000 nights/days of care and served over 3,000 youth and adults directly affected by abuse. We have provided over 10,000 callers/chats/texts, walk-in advocacy and crisis interventions or face-to-face emotional support through our 24/7 confidential SAFEline.

No matter what your role at SAFE Alliance you will make a difference, because together we can Stop Abuse For Everyone.

Position Details:

We are looking for one person to work on a full-time, exempt basis for an annual salary of $59,000-$63,000 dependent upon experience and an additional annual language differential of $3,600 for those who are American Sign Language (ASL) fluent. The work location will be at our Grove Blvd. Campus in the East Austin area. This position will include some travel in the community or between campuses and will allow for some remote/hybrid work.

Perks and Benefits of Working at SAFE Alliance*:

• Employee Only: Health insurance, short-term disability, and life insurance are employer paid with an option to purchase additional dependent coverage.
• Eligibility for Paid time off accruals of up to 15 days a year prorated based on hire date and hours worked.
• 8 standard paid holidays throughout the year.
• Depending on your date of hire, up to 4 Personal Holidays are granted to use at your preference throughout the year.
• A comprehensive voluntary benefits plan that includes dental, vision, flexible spending, and various insurance programs including pet insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with an ability to contribute immediately. You can earn an employer match of 100% up to 1% of your pay and a discretionary contribution of 2% of your pay whether you contribute to the Plan, after one year of eligible service.
• SAFE Alliance benefit plans are effective the first day of the month following thirty days of continuous employment.

*Benefit plans and benefit start dates are prorated based on date of hire and hours worked. Eligibility in employer paid benefits, paid time off and holidays are dependent upon full-time employment status and/or hours worked and may be subject to change.

Required Qualifications:

• Possess Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field is required.
• Possess a current clinical license in the state of Texas (LMSW, LCSW, LPC-Associate, LPC, LMFT-Associate, or LMFT) is required.
• Possess a strong understanding of the dynamics of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and/or human trafficking.
• Experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence is required.
• Knowledge of human development, family systems and appropriate therapeutic modalities for adult and child survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
• Possess a strong understanding of assessment tools, trauma informed treatment planning, group dynamics and experience with crisis-intervention and stress management skills.
• Experience in working with varied ethnic groups and demonstrated cultural competence with ability to respond appropriately to cultural differences present among the organization's service population and staff.
• Fluent in American Sign Language required with the ability to provide group, individual and family counseling in ASL.
• Have lived experience or a solid understanding of Deaf culture.
• Have experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Late-Deafened, and Hard of Hearing.
• Skilled with electronic technology including record-keeping, internal communication, and electronic scheduling with the ability to use a computer for scheduling, entering data, and emailing.
• Knowledge of social service, social welfare, mental health, and criminal justice agencies in the Austin area preferred.
• Ability to complete all required documentation in accordance with agency and departmental documentation guidelines, within designated time frames.
• This position requires driving. You must have a valid, State of Texas Driver’s License (If in possession of an out-of-state license, obtain a State of Texas Driver’s License within 90 days of beginning employment.) AND at least three (3) consecutive years of driving experience OR one (1) year of driving experience if over 27 years of age AND an acceptable driving record that covers at least the last three years of driver history.
   
• This position requires completion of the 40-Hour Office of Attorney General Sexual Assault Advocacy Training Program in person within six (6) months of starting employment, along with participating in annual continuing education throughout your employment.
• Pass all required criminal history background checks (including an FBI fingerprint check if applicable), as well as a pre-employment drug screen and TB test, if applicable.
• All employees are required to comply with policies regarding COVID-19, which may be subject to change. COVID vaccines are still highly recommended, and we encourage employees to get vaccinated if they are able.

Application Information and Instructions:

• We do NOT accept applications or resumes via email.
• Applications will be accepted until positions are filled. You will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application weather you have been selected or not to move forward in the process.
• All new employees regardless of status will be required to start their employment on either the 1st or 16th of the month.
• All employees will be required to attend a three-day new employee orientation that is held both in-person and virtually the first three business days of the month.