Domestic Violence Outreach & Advocacy Facilitator

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Community Outreach & Advocacy Facilitator works in coordination with the H.O.P.E. of WNY Collaboration to deliver outreach, consultation, crisis intervention and advocacy services to domestic violence victims with intellectual disabilities.  The overall goal is to educate as well as help domestic violence survivors with intellectual disabilities avoid and/or escape abusive relationships.

The Facilitator’s work with the Collaboration includes designing and presenting educational events to various stakeholders, including, but not limited to victims and survivors of domestic violence, first responders, legal/justice organizations, health care providers, and organizations who may encounter people with I/DD who may be victims of domestic violence. This also includes, sexual assault, dating violence, and or stalking. Additionally, the position will work toward ensuring service agencies, as well as first responders and legal/justice organizations closely coordinate to meet the needs of domestic violence victims with disabilities and will provide consultation to improve service accessibility when needed.   

This position will also periodically be required to provide short-term Case Management Services to victims of domestic violence and/or crimes

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Delivers crisis intervention and advocacy services to domestic violence victims with intellectual disabilities in coordination with the Director of Domestic Violence Programs and staff at the Family Justice Center of Erie County. Crisis intervention includes providing immediate information and linkage to appropriate domestic violence services and resources to ensure their safety.
2. Collaborate with the H.O.P.E. of WNY Collaboration (Collaboration) to update and develop prevention education and training based on best practices and current research and that incorporates the resources/tools developed by the Collaboration.
3. Conducts survivor-centered, trauma informed presentations in coordination with the Collaboration to various community partners, including other disability organizations, health care providers, domestic violence agencies, law enforcement and first responders.
4. Works closely with any other Collaboration partners to deliver education to various first responder audiences.
5. Respond to requests for assistance, consult on accessibility, and provide information, crisis intervention, and support to domestic violence victims.
6. Provide domestic violence victims with assistance in navigating services by providing appropriate referrals to meet their needs, including ensuring linkage to the Agency’s Casework Empowerment Liaison for domestic violence victims with an intellectual disability.
7. When needed provides case management services to victims of domestic violence. Case Management will include working with victims of domestic violence and/or crimes to assess their needs and provide safety planning based on an individual’s need. Case management may also include living skills training, obtaining and maintaining housing, utilities and employment, financial literacy, referring to legal assistance, coordinating with the Department of Social Services, Mental Health Services, health care providers and other community resources.
8. Participates in outreach events that promotes H.O.P.E. of WNY’s goals and objectives.
9. Maintain accurate records of contact with clients, outreach activities, as well as educational sessions and attendance. Utilizes EmpowerDB to for record keeping.
10. Coordinates and manages the calendar of trainings, outreach activities, and organizational technical assistance to be provided by the H.O.P.E. of WNY Collaboration.
11. Attends Collaboration meetings, Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence Accessibility Subcommittee meetings, and other community networking meetings as assigned.
12. Participates in program data tracking and reporting.
13. Researches and maintains current information regarding community supports and resources available for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
14. Ensures compliance with program/grant expectations and expected outcomes/objectives.
15. All other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position had no supervisory responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

1. Will work in office environment, typically during business hours. May need to work outside of business hours to accommodate training/presentation schedule.
2. Frequent local travel required.