SafeNet's Counselor/Advocate Training Course

The 52-hour Counselor / Advocate training program is approved and monitored by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV). 

Interns and volunteers, who wish to work with domestic violence victims in PA or in any of SafeNet’s outreach and educational programs, are required to complete this training. 

The Spring 2008 Counselor Advocate Training will take place April 7 - June 9.

Overview

The coursework introduces the trainee to the dynamics of Domestic Violence (DV), including awareness about how DV affects our whole society - from infants to the elderly.

The program encompasses a wide variety of training media and methods, including videos, role-playing, and presentations from staff and other community professionals. 

As well, each student receives a training manual dealing with such topics as Power and Control, Client-Centered Advocacy, Options Counseling, Safety Planning, Crisis Intervention, Child Abuse Reporting, Protection From Abuse Orders, Diversity Issues, Confidentiality, Ethics and Boundaries, as well as Community Resources / Referrals.

The curriculum also includes information about the history of Battered Women’s movement and SafeNet.  As part of the introduction, background is provided on the services that SafeNet offers, including safe emergency housing, legal advocacy, support groups, individual counseling, various children and young adult programs, as well as community outreach and education.

After the classroom portion is completed, volunteers and interns will be assigned to one of SafeNet’s many programs for further on-the-job training.

Normally there is no fee to attend this training.  Volunteers and interns are asked to give SafeNet at least 100 hours of service (over a period of a year) in exchange for the training.

To request a volunteer / intern application form, please call 455-1774.  The receptionist will mail you a packet of information, including the application.  For more details about the training program, please contact the volunteer training department at 814-455-1774, ext. 248.