Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Advocate - Full Time

TITLE: Sexual Assault/ Domestic Violence Advocate

SUMMARY:

Provide professional advocacy services to enable identified individuals to make informed choices about opportunities and services, assuring timely access to needed assistance, providing opportunities and coordinating all services to meet each consumer’s goals and thereby assisting them in achieving their maximum level of independent functioning.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field preferred but not required.

Licensure: Must possess or obtain highest level of licensure appropriate to degree.

Certification: Must possess or obtain highest level of certification appropriate to degree.

Experience: Experience in mental health, substance abuse or intellectual disabilities preferred.

Knowledge/Skills: Verbal/written communication skills. Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations. Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate motor vehicle.

EQUIPMENT: Computer, fax, copier, motor vehicle and any other equipment required to perform the functions of the position.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct interviews with individuals and/or family members in a therapeutic manner so as to obtain critical and thorough information, provide written documentation of information obtained and exercise good judgment in evaluating situation, making decisions and implementing effective strategies.

2. Partner with the Family Justice Centers in Sullivan and Washington Counties to strategically develop a plan to educate community partners of our services.

3. Offer services to all clients presenting at the family Justice Center as needed.

4. Develop and distribute brochures and conduct presentations to agencies, especially those who may be the first point of contact for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. This will include local clinics, hospitals, universities, counseling centers, etc. Also educate the various staff at our outpatient sites within Frontier Health who may have knowledge of victims in need of and seeking more specialized services.

5. Assist with Hotline services which are available 24/7 at each of our domestic violence shelters to ensure that victims of sexual assault and in crisis are immediately connected with someone who can provide immediate assistance, advocacy, and offer safety to the victim.

6. Provide community based advocacy for access to services such as medical, legal, police departments, support services, therapy, and other related assistance including transportation and/or accompaniment including court and examinations by collaborating with related agencies.

7. Advocates will provide outreach crisis intervention, short-term individual support services, comprehensive service coordination, and supervision to assist sexual assault victims and nonoffending family members to the extent that the victim wishes to access services in collaboration with other Washington and Sullivan County agencies.

8. Provide information and referral services including, but not limited to services offered through the Family Justice Centers, including: Therapy, counseling and legal services to assist the sexual assault victim, supportive individuals, and non-offending family members.

9. Offer and assist with safety planning and development of support systems (reduction of isolation) for those who wish to participate via hotline, shelter or outreach services.

10. Explain orders of protection, court system processes, and the effects of victimization, etc. to those who wish to access this information via hotline, shelter, or outreach services (May 2018 and ongoing).

11. Maintain client confidentiality according to center policies.

12. Remain current in knowledge of community resources and how to access those resources.

13. Keep supervisors apprised of all critical or emergency situations.

14. Respond to emergency/crisis or walk-in situations calmly, rationally and in accordance with center policies and procedures.

15. Participate in in-service training and orientation and provide consultation and education services to the community as requested by supervisor/administration.

16. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle to ensure the delivery of community based services.

17. Attend and participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and in-services and individual program planning staffing as needed.

18. All other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Although each position has its own unique duties and responsibilities, the following listing applies to every employee. All employees of the organization are expected to:

1. Support the organization’s mission, vision, and values of excellence and competence, collaboration, innovation, commitment to our community, and accountability and ownership.

2. Exercise necessary cost control measures.

3. Maintain positive internal and external customer service relationships.

4. Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively, and asking questions when clarification is needed.

5. Plan and organize work effectively and ensure its completion.

6. Demonstrate reliability by arriving to work on time and utilizing effective time management.

7. Meet all productivity requirements by meeting expectations described to the contractor.

8. Demonstrate team behavior and must be willing to promote a team-oriented environment.

9. Represent the organization professionally at all times.

10. Demonstrate initiative and strive to continually improve processes and relationships.

11. Follow all Frontier Health rules, policies and procedures as well as any applicable laws and standards.