Rural County Outreach Advocate

A. PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Rural County Outreach Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy and support services to victims of domestic abuse and violence and sex trafficking and exploitation in Franklin and Oxford County by providing comprehensive safety planning, support, and general advocacy services to clients both in person, over the phone, and on our 24-hour helpline. This position may be placed out of our Franklin County or Oxford county office.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

Individual Advocacy:

• Provide safety planning, support, crisis intervention, information and referrals to community resources for survivors of domestic abuse and violence and sex trafficking and exploitation.
• Provide consistent first-tier coverage for our 24-hour helpline.
• Provide trauma-informed and strengths-based advocacy to victims and survivors on both a drop-in and ongoing basis.
• Refer and link survivors to all Safe Voices services including but not limited to emergency shelter, support groups, legal resources, and resource center services.
• Actively collaborate with partnering agencies, community resources, as well as Safe Voices legal advocacy and violence intervention team to provide information and referrals necessary to meet the individual’s needs.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of, the cultural and socioeconomic status of persons served.
• Maintain all administrative files, client documentations, and records according to agency standards.
• Responsible for data collection, file maintenance, and monthly reports.

Support Group (as assigned):

• Facilitate or co-facilitate support group(s) and assist in providing coverage for other groups as needed and e by agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain ethical and professional standards.
• Maintain a clean and professional workspace.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

AGENCY ACTIVITIES:

• Attend and actively participate in staff development opportunities and trainings as appropriate.
• Participate in community committees and/or collaborative as appropriate.
• Attend and assist with agency fundraising activities and events.
• Provide coverage on 24-hr Helpline as scheduled and requested.
• Participate in agency events, meetings, and activities.
• Support prompt client services by answering phones, doors, and greeting visitors.
• Follow safety plans and protocols as directed.
• Assist in training and orientation of new staff and volunteers.
• Participate in at least one internal agency committee.
• Abide by agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain ethical and professional standards.
• Maintain a clean and professional workspace.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Pass State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) check.
• Pass Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) check.
• Pass Department of Motor Vehicle check.
• Hold valid Maine driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout our catchment area.
• Ability to work as a contributing member of a professional, effective work team.
• Ability to accurately document and complete paperwork by due date.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a fast paced environment where safety is key.
• Must be dependable and flexible in a changing work environment.
• Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office suite and data management software.
• Ability to participate in the training and orientation of new employees and volunteers.
• Demonstrate knowledge of issues faced by those who experience domestic violence and human trafficking.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic status of persons served.
• Knowledge of domestic violence and human trafficking fundamentals.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention skills or techniques.
• Must possess strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, as well as independently and self-directed.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to understand and work within a social change framework.
• Models agency philosophies and values in all interactions.

2. Education:

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year institution.

3. Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to sit/stand/walk for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting up to 30 pounds.
• Adhere to universal safety precautions.

4. Pay & Benefits:

• Annual pay starts at $48,750 and will increase based on experience
• Health, dental, vision, life, and short & long-term disability insurance are 100% covered at no cost to employees. Accident insurance available at low cost.
• Employer-sponsored health savings account for qualifying plans, with $1,500 deposit from employer. For non-HSA plans, employer pays $1,500 toward deductible.
• 401K retirement savings w/employer match
• 32-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (to include Juneteenth & Indigenous People’s Day)
• 20 Days of accrued leave in first year
• Flexible, family-friendly work options (to include compressed work schedule)

Interested applicants can submit their resume and letter of interest to Tori Gelinas at tgelinas@safevoices.org. Resumes submitted without cover letters will not be reviewed.