What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advocate 555-Legal position at Family Rescue?
JOB DESCRIPTION
POSITION TITLE: Resource & Information Advocate/Victim Advocate
FT/PT: Full time (35 hours per week, may include some evenings and weekends)
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt - Salaried
PAY GROUP: Level 16
REPORTS TO: Program Director
SUPERVISES: N/A
FUNCTION: The Resource & Information /Victim Advocate will assist in the development and implementation of services for adult victims of domestic violence. The Resource & Information/Victim Advocate will coordinate IDVA and Legal Advocacy Services to clients, including assistance with giving information on how to obtain Orders of Protection. The Resource & Information/Victim Advocate will provide all necessary advocacy, and link clients to needed services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Will have brief interaction with 8-10 individuals daily.
- May provide legal advocacy and emotional support for clients in court in emergency situations.
- Provide information on how to obtain Orders of Protection in both civil and criminal courts.
- Provide crisis intervention to walk-in clients, call-in clients or clients referred by other means.
- Provide coordination, connection and advocacy with law enforcement officers, judges, state's attorney, and clerk of the circuit court on behalf of victims of domestic violence, to ensure provision of services.
- On behalf of the client and/or Family Rescue, will coordinate and advocate with outside entities which may include; social service organizations, mental health organizations, substance abuse organizations, housing organizations and/or legal/law enforcements agencies, etc.
- May provide 4 community presentations/trainings annually, to both public and private entities.
- May provide minimally roll call trainings annually for the Chicago Police Department.
- Serves as a liaison between Family Rescue and the community at large.
- Works with internal agency programs to link clients to appropriate services.
- Provide effective case management/documentation which includes completing all required documentation in a timely manner and maintaining records, files, reports etc. as directed.
- May complete intake/screening of clients for services.
- May provide follow-up service for at least six (6) months to clients once they have left Family Rescue services.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings etc. as required and/or scheduled.
- Other Duties as assigned.
MARGINAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in picking up and distribution of donations
- Research and/or gather resources to directly assist clients and/or to perform job.
- Assist in the up-keep (cleaning) of office/building space(s).
- Provide assistance with transportation to scheduled appointments.
- Assist in other programs both inter-agency as well as inter-program.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience:
- A Bachelor Degree in social service, criminal justice or related field.
- Will consider an Associate Degree with two (2) or more year’s applicable experience.
- May consider a High School Diploma with four (4) years applicable experience.
- Must have 40-hour domestic violence training (within 3 months of hire date).
Language/Writing Skills:
- Must have excellent verbal skills.
- Must have the ability to communicate effectively to diverse group(s) of people in varied settings.
- Must be able to write in a logical, clear and grammatically correct way.
- Bi-lingual Spanish speaking, reading and writing may be required.
Reasoning Ability:
- Must have the ability to read, analyze and interpret common reports and documents.
- Must be able to respond to the needs and/or request of clients, co-workers, supervisors and others in a professional and timely manner.
- Must have the ability to plan and organize in a logical manner.
- Must be able to prioritize and multi-task in an efficient manner.
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to stand and walk up to 2/3 or more of the time.
- Must be able to sit up to 1/3 of the time.
- Must be able to use hand and/or fingers up to 2/3 or more of the time.
- Must be able to lift up to 10lbs up to 1/3 of the time.
- Must be able to hear and talk 2/3 or more of the time.
- Must have clear vision up to 20 inches minimally.
Equipment Used:
- Must be proficient in the use of the computer and various software packages.
- Must be able to use standard telephone.
- May have to use general office equipment including; fax machine, copier, calculator, typewriter, etc.
Work Environment:
- Must be able to work in an office setting with moderate noise levels.
- May be exposed to outdoor weather conditions 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
- Must be able to travel locally and regionally.