Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate

Position Summary: Provides advocacy services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; works as a part of the VIP team to sustain a successful agency that provides ongoing services to battered persons and works to educate the community and facilitate needed systems change.

 

Areas of Responsibility:

• Provide supportive listening, making referrals, goal setting and appropriate follow-up.

• Strive to know ALL available resources for clients whose needs are varied and extensive; such as social services, housing, medical, clothing, food, employment, etc.

• Work in a successful professional relationship with the ‘network of communuity agencies’ able to assist VIP’s clients.

• Attend required court hearings and assist client with legal advocacy – preparing and filing orders with Court system and follow-through with clients.

• Facilitate shelter placement if needed – intake paperwork, coordinate with shelter advocate or work with other shelter placement.

• Attend and participate in staff meetings, group training sessions, self-directed trainings, regional and state meetings; attend meetings on behalf of VIP as assigned by Director.

• Fulfill on-call duties.

• Assist in maintaining building security; maintenance of office space.

 

Other Areas of Responsibility:

• Complies with mandatory client confidentiality and report criteria as defined by law and VIP policies and procedures as applicable.

• Effectively communicate with VIP Executive Director on matters related to this position, clients served, team process and other information relative to assigned job duties.

• Travel Requirements – attend client meetings, court, regional and state meetings and other meetings to be determined.

• Contributes to a positive work atmosphere by conducting oneself in a manner that fosters good relations with clients, co-workers, supervisor and community contacts such as other service providers and donors.

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by Executive Director.

 

Education and Experience (VIP will provide training and education for the right candidate)

 

Required: 

• • Belief in non-violence, and willingness to challenge societal norms that condone perpetual violence.

  • Exceptional interpersonal, active listening and individual counseling skills.

  • Ability to be an effective advocate for and support to victims of domestic violence.

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with victims, staff, system providers, and others in the community.

  • Having own transportation and valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance.

  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.

  • Ability to work on an on-call schedule.

  • Must be able to independently handle diverse work issues on a daily basis.  Requires the ability to set priorities and work schedule; also adjust to changes created by last minute assignments and deadline requests.

 

Preferred:

• Two years post-high school education in criminal justice, social services or related area.

• Two years work experience as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault or related work.

 

This position requires sitting, standing, bending, lifting, stooping and reaching with sufficient manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment; conduct room searches; assist with donation drop-offs and similar activities.

 

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume with references to:  director@violenceintervention.org.

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