JOB TITLE: Domestic Violence Advocate
REPORTS TO: Director of Operations
FLSA STATUS: Salary Non-Exempt, Full Time
SALARY: $45,000
DUE BY: June 1, 2024

SUMMARY

The Family Justice Center of Erie County (FJC) is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and their children. The Domestic Violence Advocate plays an important role in advocacy, safety planning, crisis intervention, discussing options, telephone hotline assistance, information/referral services and community education/outreach. The FJC will provide comprehensive training on all aspects of essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide immediate support, crisis intervention, counseling, risk assessment, safety planning and referrals to victims of Domestic Violence. This includes all core services in accordance with Part 462 of the New York State Social Services regulations.
• Assistance with answering hotline phone calls and provide virtual (email, telephone) assistance to domestic violence survivors
• Discuss options for filing criminal and civil orders of protection, drafting Family Offense Petitions, eFiling, web conferencing at all FJC Locations and court accompaniment
• Advocates may be required to cover shifts at multiple locations: Amherst, Orchard Park, Grand Island, East Side, and downtown Buffalo.
• Oversee, train and work with interns and volunteers
• Provide court advocacy for clients, assisting in accessing legal remedies and protections and accompanying clients to Family Court or Criminal Court
• Provide follow up services and case management to assure on-going support and links to appropriate services
• Adhere and enforce an understanding of Client Confidentiality
• Assist in compiling data for monthly grant reports
• Reliability and Attendance – begin work on time and conform to work hours and schedule unless arrangements have been made with a supervisor

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Assist with administrative duties as needed
• Report to and perform all other duties as assigned by CEO and Director of Operations including training and supervision of interns and volunteers
• Engage in a collaborative working relationship with a variety of stakeholders( e.g. Law Enforcement Agencies, community service and legal organizations, Civil and Criminal Courts)
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work or related field
• 1-3 years paid professional experience
• Bi-lingual preferred
• Thorough understanding of domestic violence, courts, Dept. Of Social Services and community agencies
• Have extensive knowledge of local and statewide Domestic Violence resources
• Possess training and knowledge in Mandated Reporting of suspected child abuse
• Exceptional written, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Able to multi-task, respond to rapidly changing situations; organize, prioritize, and perform work with minimal supervision
• Able to work in a team and independently
• Highly organized and very effective time management skills.
• Strong public speaking skills

TRAVEL

Frequent travel in WNY including travel to all locations (Amherst, Orchard Park, Grand Island, East Side and Downtown Buffalo)