Job Description: Trauma Counselor
The Trauma Counselor is a vital member of our Social Work and Human Services team, responsible for providing expert counseling services to individuals who have experienced trauma. The primary goal of this role is to support clients in overcoming the emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges associated with traumatic experiences and to promote their overall well-being.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate clients' trauma-related needs and develop individualized treatment plans
- Provide trauma-informed counseling to clients, utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions
- Assist clients in identifying and understanding the impact of trauma on their lives, relationships, and daily functioning
- Facilitate individual and group counseling sessions to address trauma-related issues, including but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance abuse
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integrated care and coordinate services for clients with complex trauma histories
- Provide crisis intervention and support to clients in acute distress or facing immediate safety concerns
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, progress notes, and treatment plans in compliance with confidentiality and legal standards
- Stay abreast of emerging research, evidence-based practices, and trauma-focused interventions to enhance the quality of counseling services
- Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and professional development activities to enhance clinical skills and knowledge
- Adhere to ethical guidelines and professional standards of conduct in all aspects of counseling practice
Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field
- Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or equivalent
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed care principles and trauma-focused interventions
- Demonstrated experience in providing trauma counseling to individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences
- Strong assessment and diagnostic skills to identify trauma-related disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans
- Proficient in utilizing evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with clients and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, adhere to ethical guidelines, and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion
- Strong organizational skills to manage caseloads, maintain accurate records, and meet documentation requirements
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and willingness to stay updated on best practices in trauma counseling
Note: This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications required for the Trauma Counselor role. It should not be considered an exhaustive list, and additional duties may be assigned based on organizational needs.