The Group Facilitator ensures that group work in the Gateway Project, one of the agency’s abuse intervention programs, is aligned with the programs’ philosophy and that program participants receive the programs’ full curriculum. The Group Facilitator also works with men who identify as gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, individually on a case-by-case basis to deliver intervention programming. The Group Facilitator works with the Program Manager to ensure the goals, objectives, and work effort of the programs are consistent with the mission of the House of Ruth Maryland and advance the agency and programs’ strategic goals and objectives.  The Group Facilitator also assists with special projects and provides back up coverage for Intake, Orientation and Group sessions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitates group sessions and provides back up coverage as required in accordance with the program’s curriculum and design.

• Conducts one-on-one sessions with participants as needed.

• Co-facilitate a minimum of 8 group sessions on a scheduled basis and fill in when needed.

• Assist the Lead Facilitator with arranging follow-up counseling and services for participants.

• Assist with Intake appointments, Orientation sessions and training student interns.

• Communicate with Parole & Probation agents regarding participant progress and status.

• In consultation with Programs Manager, help coordinate and facilitate peer review sessions with all group facilitators.

• Maintain electronic and paper file documentation for groups and participants in keeping with program standards. 

• Address issues with participants individually, including conflicts, referrals for additional services, and assessment of appropriateness to continue in the program. 

• Collect, process, and document fees in accordance with program policy.

• Assist Program Manager to develop and implement an annual staff development plan. 

• Is involved in program development activities, including group curriculum design, procedure development and implementation and creation of new program initiatives.

Experience/Requirements:

• Bachelors’ degree in a human service field is required. 

• Minimum 1 year experience facilitating curriculum-based groups.

• Minimum 1 year supervision experience highly preferred.

• Experience working in the LGBTQ community and the criminal justice system is preferred.

• Good written and verbal communication skills. 

• Client assessment, group work, project planning and conflict management skills required.

• Computer literate (MS Word, internet, e-mail) and experience working within a web-based database system.

• Ability to understand intimate partner violence and how it affects the client population and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds are a must.

• Must be violence free in own life with no charges of violence within a minimum of three years.  If applicant has ever been identified as a perpetrator of intimate partner violence, the applicant must have successfully completed a certified abuse intervention program.