Domestic Violence Advocate

General Summary:

DV/SV Advocate provides crisis intervention, advocacy, support, and case management to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual violence, including shelter and community victims.

Essential Functions:

General Duties:

• Provides trauma-informed care practices into service provision for all clients.

• Completes community client intakes and maintains accurate program paperwork and documentation in paper files and within Osnium according to agency procedures and timelines.

• Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management to community domestic violence and sexual assault clients and all emergency shelter clients.  Case management includes: assessment, development of a case plan, monitoring and updating of case plan, support, assistance with completion of goals, referrals, life skills, financial literacy/budgeting, employment, housing assistance, and all other professional activities to help the client be successful.

• Maintains accurate knowledge of local services and other available resources to meet client needs.
• Maintains client resource library.
• Responds to requests for the Safe At Home Program.

• Maintains relationships with and conducts sessions (group or individual) at the juvenile detention center.

• Provides coverage for the legal advocate to attend DV charging conferences for absences, etc., as assigned.
• Answers crisis line, provides referrals, and completes database entry.
• Provide accurate and professional inter and intra-agency communications.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, coordinator meetings, shelter meetings, and weekly one-one ones with Program Director.

• Assist with reporting requirements, including tracking and gathering program statistics, providing success stories, and written summaries related to the programs/clients.

• Attend committee meetings, both internal and external, as requested.

• Supports and attends all FRIENDS special events, committees and functions.
• Represents FRIENDS in a positive and professional manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties Specific to Emergency Shelter:

• Plan and facilitate life skills classes/support groups for shelter clients.
• Provide conflict intervention and communication strategies to clients, especially within communal living environment.
• Meet with new clients within 24 hours of arrival to conduct assessment and start service plan.
• Liaison with local school and ensure children get enrolled within 3 business days of arrival.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Duties Specific to Sexual Violence:

• Participates in a rotation of daytime coverage for the SANE program and CAC calls, along with the SV Advocate.
• Participates in a rotation of after-hours coverage for the SANE program, along with other agency staff.

• Attends Sexual Assault Charging Conferences as needed or when the Legal Advocate is not available.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Bilingual (Spanish) Preferred
• Requires a level of knowledge acquired through the completion of a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, or related field OR a combination of relevant education and employment required.
• Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence dynamics, the trauma-informed service provision framework, legal system and the rights of victims in the civil court procedures.
• Strong self-motivation and organizational skills to manage a variety of diversified tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism with sound judgment.
• Ability to work well in a team or independent environment.
• Working knowledge of all Microsoft Office products.
• Valid driver’s license.

Working Conditions:

• Normal office environment.
• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is between $40,000 to $43,000 depending on experience.

Benefits include:

• Paid vacation and sick days
• 11 paid Holidays
• Health insurance (70% employer paid)
• Low cost dental and vision insurance
• Pre-tax IRA plan and employer match
• Group life insurance
• Long term disability
• Annual self-care stipend