Advocate

Job Statement: The Advocate is responsible for providing trauma-informed victim program services, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their loved ones. This involves both individual empowerment-based advocacy and case management, as well as small group work, with individuals and families. The Advocate will also provide victim outreach and education programming in the community. This position is a full-time non-exempt position.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Provide advocacy, support, case management and coordination of services to victims and families who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence and/or Sexual Assault

Participate in the 24-hour hot line on-call rotation, providing in person and/or telephone response to victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence and their loved ones

Facilitate and implement trauma-informed and empowerment-focused groups for victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence and their loved ones

Advocate with other community agencies on behalf of clients, including law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, hospital/medical staff and other relevant partners.

Provide advocacy and accompaniment during civil and criminal court proceedings and law enforcement interviews related to domestic violence and sexual assault

Collaborate and network with a broad base of stake holders, including local schools, community-based organizations, child welfare agencies, and physical or mental health providers to ensure appropriate services for victims and families.

Assist in coordination/facilitation/referral of expanded client services including: financial literacy/services, job training/placement services, health education services and education services.

Maintain accurate records including up to date client files and case notes, and submit reports and program evaluations, adhering to established timelines.

Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and specially scheduled training sessions. Takes advantage of other professional growth opportunities.

Coordinates and facilitates community based victim outreach and education.

11. Maintain required certifications and re-certifications for job by participating in available training.

12. Maintain communication with the Executive and Finance Directors regarding gaps in services, client needs, budgets, etc.

Participate in activities of the Partnership that include, but are not limited to, committee meetings, board meetings, events sponsored by the agency, trainings sponsored by grantors, or other trainings and conferences deemed important to the function of the job.

Represent the Partnership to the community through participation in events, and in collaborative work groups as needed in a positive and appropriate manner.

Any other projects, tasks or assignments considered necessary for the well-being of the agency.

Help train and mentor volunteers and interns.

Ensure client related data is entered within 48 hours and is accurate for reporting purposes.

Work with Financial Director to ensure data is collected and reported accurately for grants.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific Requirements:

Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required in Human Services or related field. Experience and/or training in sexual assault and domestic violence intervention/prevention preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted. Must complete Advocate Training.

Understanding of current theory and best practice for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and awareness.

Good oral and written communication skills.

Knowledge of health and human service agencies in Ashe County is highly desirable.

Computer skills that include word processing, spreadsheet and graphics skills. Ability to use or learn to use email and internet/intranet applications.

Ability to read, analyze and interpret reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, health and human service agencies, regulatory agencies or members of the community.

Ability to write reports.

Ability to effectively present information to management.

Ability to maintain non-traditional hours of work.

Certifications, Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Safety, Security and Confidentiality: This position requires keeping complete confidentiality of all client information and protecting the confidentiality of all Partnership information, files and records.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, speak and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An individual in this position will be exposed to conditions typical of traveling office staff.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.00 - $15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

Work Location: In person