Family Support Advocate- Emergency (Full-Time 40 Hrs Days)

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Violence Intervention Advocacy Program (VIAP) is a hospital based program that works with individuals who are victims of gun and/or knife violence and their family members that are impacted by the community violence. The program provides comprehensive case management services that include employment, education, and trauma support to program clients and their family members.
Family Support Advocate:
The Family Support Advocate will work as part of the VIAP team at Boston Medical Center with family members of victims of violence to provide comprehensive case management services. The Family Support Advocate will work to enhance opportunities for families in order for them to be successful and independent.
Position: Family Support Advocate- Emergency
Department: VIAP
Schedule: Full Time, 40 Hours, Days
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Represent VIAP at inter-hospital, citywide, state, or other professional team meetings
• Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of the VIAP Program, will work as part of the VIAP multidisciplinary team.
• Manage relationships with internal BMC partners and programs in the delivery of quality programming.
• Serve as a role model for all Agency staff in promoting the VIAP Mission
• To provide direct care and services for family members of victims of violence. Direct care includes case management, assessment, counseling, intervention and advocacy.
• These duties are not all inclusive, and the expectation is for any other duties to be performed as assigned.
• Provide intensive support to families affected by community violence by offering information and referral, advocacy and on-going coordination of needed services.
• Uses a team approach to share information on client progress or other relevant information. Participates in multi-disciplinary treatment meetings regarding VIAP families and goals.
• Attends all relevant community forums, trainings, and meetings as assigned and appropriate
• Reach out to families and communities affected by violence through ongoing contacts with community organizations and direct contact with communities and families exposed to violence
• Co-facilitates support groups or workshops for families and providers as needed.
• Documentation is required, and the ability to use and navigate a database.
• Responsible for overall service delivery for family members of victims of violence, including adherence to policies, procedures and development/adherence to budget guidelines.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality in regards to all people served.
• Link families to community-based social services and benefits. Assist with enrollment procedures as needed. Connect families with primary care and assist in navigation of the health care system.
• Conduct home visits to families and communities affected by violence.
• Work collaboratively with members of the police department, probation and parole, and state social service agencies.
• Foster agency and program wide cooperation and teamwork through use of positive/constructive communication techniques.
• Provide feedback to the VIAP team concerning family needs and concerns related to primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of violence.
• Take the lead in collaborating with community based partners to identify appropriate resources for family members of victims of violence.
• Provides stabilization to participants. Interventions may include counseling, advocacy, skill training, assessment and referrals.

The duties described above in this job description for a Family Support Advocate will assist families during a time of crisis, and provide long term, in home services ongoing. The Family Support Advocate will contribute to the physical and emotional recovery from community violence, and connect families with needed services.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree (or High School Diploma/GED plus equivalent related education and work experience) required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• None

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 2 years program experience in community outreach/social service/case management/educational activities.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Experience in training facilitation.
• Ability to effectively communicate with community groups and hospital staff.
• Knowledge of Boston neighborhoods and the ability to closely interact with high-risk individuals and family members.
• Experience working with at-risk youth and families

Req id: 27130