The Victim Services advocate works Monday to Friday from 12:30 pm to 8:30 p.m.

Primary Purpose of the Job: The Victim Services Advocate will be primarily responsible for responding to calls on the Crisis line from survivors, family members and friends, and other service providers; providing advocacy to survivors; advocating for survivors to safety plan, build support networks, process trauma, and heal from abuse; making relevant and appropriate referrals for clients’ legal, medical, housing, counseling and related needs.

Services delivery:

1. Provide direct and individualized advocacy services to shelter residents, advocacy services including referrals to community resources, emotional support, transportation, and assistance in developing an Individualized Self- Sufficiency Plan (ISSP).

2. Provide educational and supportive intervention for shelter residents, including crisis intervention and safety assessment.

3. Assist in answering PAHFS Crisis Line.

4. Determine appropriateness for shelter and other PAHFS services.

5. Complete required Intake and Departures process for residents.

6. Implements House Guidelines and Peace at Home (PAHFS) Policies.

7. Facilitates support groups and/or self-help groups for victims of domestic violence as required.

8. Serve as a key liaison and advocate with partnering agencies and maintain resources directory.

9. Provides mediation services between residents where appropriate.

10. Performs client record-keeping, enters client information into WS database system.

11. Participates in staff and advocate meetings and attends required on-site training.

Crisis Line response:

12. While in shelter answer the PAH crisis line, which includes screening for eligibility to PAH services, information, referrals, and safety planning.

13. Appropriately document crisis calls in WS data system.

14. Maintain knowledge of current resources in the community.

Administrative Services:

15. Enter crisis calls and client’s activities into WS data system in a timely manner while adhering to internal deadlines, as assigned.

16. Perform offices tasks (such as photocopying, collating, making resident’s blank folders, etc.) as required.

Other Duties

Assist with other administrative duties and requested

Qualifications:

• Education.-Bachelor Degree in Social work or related field and/ or minimum of two (2) years experience in social services or related field.
• Technical.-Strong written and verbal communication skills. Required knowledge of commonly used computer software including Word and Excel.

Required Licenses, Certificates or Trainings:

Domestic violence coalition training within the first six (6) months of employment Working Conditions:

• Occasional out-of-town travel for meetings or conferences, to develop professional skills using shelter or personal vehicle.
• Occasional over-time work required throughout the year.
• Driving clients is an essential function of this job. If PAHFS’ insurance carrier determines you are ineligible to drive PAHFS owned vehicles, you will be unable to accept or remain in this position.

Driving records are reassessed on an ongoing basis.

Safety Hazards: Minimal hazards. General office working conditions.

Other Hazards: Risk of verbal/physical confrontation

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. You may be asked by supervisors or managers to perform other instructions or duties. All Project employees are expected to represent themselves and the organization professionally at all times. You will be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in the above job description. Management has the right to revise this job description at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.50 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person