CYEM School Counselor/ Coordinator (Bilingual)

About Us

For over 46 years, A Safe Place has been a beacon of hope in Lake County, empowering survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking to rebuild their lives. Join our mission to provide safety, foster independence, and create brighter futures.

Through our Youth Empowerment and Healing Program, we foster resilience in young survivors with therapeutic support, empowering activities, and healing-focused initiatives. Together, we create a community where every survivor can thrive.

Your Role: CYEM Bilingual School Counselor

As a CYEM Bilingual School Counselor, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering counseling, therapeutic groups, and youth development programs. Your work will ensure students feel supported, empowered, and equipped to overcome challenges, fostering healing and growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide youth development presentations and individual counseling sessions in schools.
• Offer confidential support to students, addressing peer pressure and other concerns.
• Assess and refer students to appropriate services and resources.
• Educate students on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection, and stalking laws.
• Maintain accurate client records per agency and funding requirements.
• Assist with grant reporting tasks and actively participate in staff meetings, case management, and training.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure holistic support for youth.
• Engage clients authentically while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds
• Align practices with professional ethics, such as the NASW Code of Ethics.
• Work effectively as part of the team; collaborating effectively across the organization.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and team activities.
• Perform other organizational and program-related duties as assigned.
• Complete IM+CANS certification, 40-hour Domestic Violence, and other required training..

What You’ll Bring:

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or a related field.
• Valid Illinois LPC or LSW license required.
• Bilingual Spanish fluency is required.
• Familiarity with domestic violence dynamics and survivor challenges.
• Experience in crisis intervention, case management, or advocacy.
• Strong trauma-informed skills, communication, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Effective time management, organizational, and prioritization skills.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance required.

What You’ll Experience:

• Schedule: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM with flexibility for after-school hours as needed.
• Professional office settings and secure shelters.
• 70% direct service commitment (60% for supervisors).
• Active participation in 70% of staff meetings.
• Commitment to 2–4-hour shifts for holiday shelter coverage, as needed.
• Travel may be required for client supply pickups, outreach, and training.
• Occasional lifting to 20 pounds, navigating stairs, or moving across facilities. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: Starting at $27.88 hourly, paid bi-weekly (26 pay periods).

Benefits

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; a Flexible Spending Account (FSA); a 401(k) retirement plan; generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Why Join A Safe Place

• Mission-driven work with direct community impact
• Trauma-informed, collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to advocate for survivors and systemic change
• Meaningful professional development and training opportunities
  

Additional Information

This posting outlines the primary responsibilities of the role. A full job description will be provided upon hire.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Pre-employment requirements include DCFS and criminal background checks, fingerprinting, professional reference and license verification, and clearance through the sex offender registry and the Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Hiring Statement

A Safe Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities and are dedicated to providing a respectful environment free from discrimination or harassment.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position.