Director of Victim Services

My Sister’s House has been a trusted advocate and resource for survivors of intimate partner violence across Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston Counties in South Carolina for more than 45 years. Through a comprehensive domestic violence services program, the organization provides critical support to individuals and families facing crisis, helping them access safety, stability, and pathways toward healing.

The Victim Services program delivers acute and crisis-level care through a 24/7 confidential crisis line, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal advocacy, and resource navigation. In the past year alone, My Sister’s House provided 8,710 nights of safe housing to more than 250 adults and children and supported survivors through 150 Orders of Protection and 265 hours of volunteer legal advocacy. As the organization continues its mission to empower survivors and strengthen communities, it remains committed to delivering compassionate, trauma-informed services throughout the Tri-county region.

Position Summary 

This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of MSH Victim Services programming. Those programs include Emergency Shelter, Legal Advocacy, and the Crisis Line. The Director of VS will maintain grant compliance and ensure best practices are implemented throughout program delivery. This position ensures that the highest level of service and excellence is being provided through a systematic and coordinated response to victims of intimate partner violence.

Essential Functions 

Program Development

· Evaluate the effectiveness of VS direct service-related programs to achieve program objectives, ensure accessibility, and to assure excellence in services throughout Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

o Identify opportunities to enhance and expand programs and services.

o Implement programmatic improvements consistent with agency core values and strategic objectives.

o Develop and update policies, procedures, and documentation to support program operations and compliance.

· Ensure the provision of best practice/evidence-based, trauma-informed services are being implemented throughout the programs.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

· Coordinate and provide orientation, onboarding, and training for newly hired staff under direct supervision.

· Directly supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned staff positions.

· Coordinate staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and efficient service delivery.

· Approve all direct report timecards and PTO requests.

· Collaborate with staff to establish annual goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes that support individual and team work plans and advance the agency's strategic plan.

· Participate in the recruitment, selection, onboarding, and training of departmental staff.

· Regularly review and provide feedback to staff on case management notes in EmpowerDB.

· Conduct timely and constructive performance evaluations and provide ongoing feedback to support employee development.

· Address employee performance concerns and administer corrective action, discipline, and termination procedures in accordance with agency policies and applicable employment laws.

· Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative work environment that promotes employee engagement and professional growth.

Reporting and Compliance

· Oversees the Database Administrator and DSS Liaison’s submission of all grant reports requested by DSS, The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Charleston County, etc.

· Maintains client record compliance in EmpowerDB.

· Maintain transitional housing compliance.

Community Partnerships

· Foster partnerships to promote cross-training and fluidity in client services.

· Identify appropriate programs and organizations and build collaborative relationships

· Attend and participate in community meetings and forums to learn about other organizations’ services as well as informing them of MSH services

· Conduct Hotel Partner Trainings annually.

· Maintain relationship and communication with transitional housing property owners.

· Maintain current partnerships with local law enforcement and law enforcement victim advocates (LEVAs)

· Maintain relationship with Call Experts for the crisis line.

Direct Service

· Serve as a backup to the Crisis Line Coordinator, as needed.

· Provide case management and advocacy, as needed.

· Determine client compliancy and if needed, program exit.

· Participate in on-call leadership response for critical incidents and client safety concerns

Additional Duties

· Attend and participate in staff meetings and team discussions.

· Attend required training and professional development activities.

· Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

Physical Demands 

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Travel

· Moderate travel required.

 Required Education and Experience 

· A Bachelor’s Degree in social work or related field required.

· A Master’s Degree in social work or related field preferred.

· Minimum of five years of direct service experience and/or supervisory experience

· Knowledge and sensitivity to the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault

· Valid South Carolina driver’s license and clean driving record

· Must become an SC Certified Victim Service Provider within one year of

· employment

Required Skills/Abilities  

· Knowledge of trauma-informed and empowerment-based service delivery.

· Excellent interpersonal and coalition building skills.

· Ability to accurately represent agency in various settings, including public speaking engagements.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Excellent interpersonal skills.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

· Ability to function well in a high-paced, stressful environment.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

EEO Statement 

My Sister’s House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of color, religion, national origin, age, genetics, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, or other legally protected status in employment opportunities and benefits. 

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.