What are the responsibilities and job description for the Domestic Abuse Advocate position at ACCESS | Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support?
Do you have great listening skills, a passion for social justice and able to think creatively? Then the full time Domestic Abuse Advocate might be a perfect fit for you!
The primary responsibility of this position is direct service to victims/survivors of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence. This position may serve victims of all ages as needed. The Domestic Abuse Advocate is responsible to the Outreach Program Supervisor and is a member of the Domestic Abuse Comprehensive Services Team. This position is based in Story County. Work may occur in any/all areas of ACCESS’ service area, including Iowa State University Campus, Boone, Greene, Marshall and Tama Counties.
100% of this position is considered direct service in the capacity of serving primary or secondary victims and/or preparing the community to respond effectively to the needs of victims.
This position participates in an on-call response system for abuse victims/survivors during day, evening and weekend hours.
Victim-Centered Responsibilities
Provide assessment of needs to victims/survivors in order to understand the best way to promote safety and healing in the victim’s/survivor’s life.
Perform crisis advocacy and intervention to assist victims/survivors in attaining emotional and physical safety.
Provide systems advocacy to reduce barriers and promote victims/survivors connection to essential services.
Provide individual and/or group counseling to victims/survivors.
Provide information and referral to victims/survivors to increase their connection to resources and support.
Provide assistance to family members and supports systems of the victim/survivor when impacted by the abuse, including all forms of advocacy listed above.
Program, Administrative & Educational Responsibilities
Provide educational programs/trainings to schools, service agencies, community groups, etc.
Maintain client records and files.
Share office support duties with other domestic abuse program staff members.
Attend and participate in community councils, coalitions, and meetings as assigned.
Serve as the ACCESS liaison to medical, criminal, civil, and youth/family entities serving victims of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse in Story County.
Maintain a professional and positive attitude in all interactions while representing ACCESS.
Network and collaborate with local, regional and statewide victim service providers.
Collect and report on statistics of victim service and program/education provision.
Other duties as assigned.
Expectation of Continued Learning
Attend relevant conferences and trainings.
Remain current on domestic violence and other forms of intimate partner violence research.
Gain understanding of special populations as applies to service provision, including but not limited to rural victims, youth victims, immigrant/refugee/international victims, elder victims, male victims, LGBT victims, and various other populations.
Remain current and informed of systems that a victim/survivor may need to navigate such as civil/criminal legal systems, Iowa State University systems, and services that offer emergency assistance.
Remain current on trends of best care and intervention with victims/survivors of intimate partner violence.
Remain informed on legislative issues. Keep current on changes in the Iowa Code.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to navigate evolving social climates while providing client centered care. They will be committed to completing tasks in a fast-paced environment and able to support diverse clientele while maintaining an understanding of available resources. ACCESS staff should be empathetic, inclusive and non-judgmental. Service provision should focus on the self-determination and empowerment of the victim/survivor. This position provides an opportunity to engage with community members, victim service agencies, coalitions, as well as state and local systems. We are seeking candidates who excel in:
· Client centered care
· Relationship-building with diverse populations
· Managing multiple projects
· Thinking outside the box and finding creative solutions
Due to the on call duties of this position, candidates must live within an hour of our service area once hired. As part of the hiring process we complete a background check. Not all results are disqualifying and we encourage candidates to discuss potential findings with hiring personnel.
Upon hire, all staff must successfully complete the 32-hour ACCESS victim advocacy training and continued training as needed/requested to maintain ICADV requirements and to meet the requirements of Chapter 915.20 of the Iowa Code.
Preferred qualifications include
Knowledge of the dynamics of abuse and the impact abuse on survivors and prior experience in human services or advocacy are viewed as a positive.
Please submit a cover letter with your resume.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $34,598.64 - $37,598.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $34,599 - $37,598