Victim Advocate - DV

Responsible for working with a case load of Domestic Violence Victim of Crime to help clients determine their needs; stabilize their lives after a crime; understand and navigate the criminal justice system and ensure a measure of safety and security through trauma-informed, culturally sensitive crisis intervention, counseling, criminal justice support and advocacy. 

Benefits: 

• Free Medical, Dental & Vision
• 13 Paid Holidays PTO
• 403 (B) retirement match
• Life Insurance, EAP
• Tuition Reimbursement
• SEIU Union 
• Flexible Spending Account
• Continued workforce development & training
• Succession plans & growth within

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience                              

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred;
• Two years’ related experience within human services and/or public health.
• Two years’ experience conducting community and/or street outreach, specifically to hard-to-reach populations.
• Experience in community organizing.
• Experience working in underserved communities such as undocumented workers, unaccompanied minors, LGBT populations, communities of color, youth/adolescents, and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness; and
• Bilingual English/Spanish required (read, write, speak) (Strongly Preferred)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs a combination, but not necessarily all, of the following duties:

• Receive referrals from medical providers, behavioral health clinicians, and support staff to perform an initial domestic violence/sexual assault client assessment and evaluation, utilizing appropriate assessment and evaluation procedures, and practices that meet or exceed industry standards.
• Provide coordinated entry and intake assessments for participants seeking housing support, identifying housing service needs, and coordinating initial services.
• Develop a case management plan for each eligible client, provide short-term crisis intervention for clients who voluntarily wish to participate in services which include but are not limited to accessing emergency shelters and motels, assistance with restraining orders and stalking orders, providing active listening, peer support, access mental health services, employment, long-term housing and provide follow up services in a timely manner.
• Support participants in finding and securing safe, affordable housing.
• Help families access resources for housing-related assistance (i.e., furniture procurement, utility assistance, etc.).
• Conduct risk assessment and provide ongoing safety planning.
• Advocate with managers and owners for tenancy and negotiate move-in costs.
• Provide mobile advocacy and community engagement as needed.
• Assist victims in attaining self-sufficiency and utilizing a strength-based, trauma-informed empowerment model.
• Complete all data entry, case notes, updating client files, reports, and all other program/grant required administrative tasks by deadlines.
• Access legal services and obtain protective orders (restraining orders or stalking orders) for clients when necessary.
• Access legal immigration services for clients. Assess for client eligibility for immigration relief and assist clients in gathering important documents and evidence, writing letters of support, and obtaining clearance from law enforcement.
• Advocate and coordinate with service providers, domestic violence agencies, law enforcement, and the legal system for the needs of immigrant/refugee women victims and their families.
• Provide/Secure interpretation and translation services to link clients with existing mainstream domestic violence services and shelters as needed.
• Maintain confidential individual client files including records of intakes, assessments, case management, plans, hour of service, and all contacts and referrals made
• Establish and develop working relationships with clients.
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management, including developing appropriate safety plans with clients, to address the variability of victims’ needs.
• Assist with the filing of victim compensation forms.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events as needed; and
• Other duties may be assigned or may be modified as business needs dictate.

St. John’s Community Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer