Domestic Violence Specialist (Taylor and Preston County)

Position Summary:

This position provides initial but not on-going direct client services such as safety planning, counseling, advocacy, accompaniment and case management to survivors of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Specialist will observe barriers to services and group outcomes to assure that all DV requirements of the Child Welfare system are met in order to ensure children’s safety as well as compliance with quality practice guidelines that are in accordance with Child Welfare, CPS, APS and agency standards and policies.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Assess the nature and extent of domestic violence (using victim interviews and accessible offender records and reports)
• Assess for highly dangerous/potentially lethal behaviors (utilizing WV model – Dangerousness/Lethality Assessment Guide -DLAG);
• Make referrals for specific safety and treatment services for victim safety and offender accountability to CPS and APS
• Participate on CPS and APS county Multidisciplinary Teams (convened by CPS and APS)
• Coordinate quarterly Coordinated Community Response Team (CCR) – either develop one (utilizing STOP Team model) or expand existing STOP Team
• Be housed an annual average of at least 50% of time in DHHR office
• Provide consultation and training assistance to CPS and APS as needed
• Be a certified DV Advocate or able to become certified within the first year of this project
• Attend relevant CPS/APS new worker and continuing education training
• Participate on the state DV Specialists Steering Committee (coordinated by WVCADV)  
• Attend WV Grant Orientation (coordinated by WVCADV)
• Implement Dating Violence Guidelines in High Schools (following model developed in DJCS OVW STOP Grant) in year three of this project
• Provide outreach, advocacy, court accompaniment, individualized safety planning and referrals to community services as needed to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual assault and stalking.
• Provide office space and equipment for providing advocacy services in Outreach Office.
• Submit monthly progress reports and information for semi-annual reports to DJCS Authorized Organization Representative.
• Assist in the development of continuation funds to sustain the project.

General:

• Understand and abide by RDVIC’s Confidentiality Policy at all times and respect boundaries.
• Demonstrate a commitment to treat residents, volunteers, and co-workers respectfully at all times.
• Participate in all aspects of Residential service delivery.
• Assist participants with the completion of responsibilities involving community living and household skills, as necessary.
• Attend all scheduled staff meetings and residential case conferences to provide and receive input for program development.
• Attend a minimum of 8 hours of training of approved victim service training a year.
• Assist with training and supervision of volunteers and interns.
• Agree to work a flexible schedule when required, which may include changing shifts to ensure 24-hour Shelter or Residential coverage, due to illness, absence, or vacation of other staff members.
• Complete special projects and presentations as requested.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience (Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in psychology or social work or equivalent experience in social service and or criminal justice related fields.
• Possess strong and demonstrated written and oral communications skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of victimization and serving victims.
• Have experience in coordinating meetings.
• Demonstrate ability to coordinate own activities; ability to manage time, evaluate progress, and adjust activities to complete work within established time frames.
• Possess group facilitation and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain flexibility in scheduling.
• Be proficient with Windows applications including desktop publishing.
• Provide a “Victim Centered Approach”
• Be a certified DV Advocate or able to become certified within the first year of this project
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Discretion and confidentiality required
• Reliable car, valid West Virginia License and automobile insurance

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Language:

• Bilingual (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Monongalia County, WV (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $34,412 - $51,124