InVest Advocate

Description Responsible to InVEST Manager and works cooperatively with law enforcement. Does not supervise other employees. May work with interns or volunteers. Interrelates with all staff members. Provides support and guidance to victims and survivors. Responsibilities and Duties Reviews law enforcement reports of domestic violence provided by collaborative law enforcement partners to determine those that are considered high risk. Will maintain documentation of same. Advocate will attempt to contact the victim within 72 hours of the initial police report. The advocate will strategize with supervisor to meet all InVEST program deliverables for survivor services. The advocate will participate in the bi-monthly Domestic Violence Task Force meetings in order to advance the Community Coordinated Response model. The advocate will provide training to the center’s hotline staff, outreach and shelter staff. The advocate will attend other trainings on working with domestic violence survivors at high risk of homicide. The advocate will participate in statewide quarterly meetings of InVEST programs. Will participate in electronic trainings for technical assistance. Will work towards completing all deliverables of the program. Will participate in the quarterly Fatality Review Team meetings and will assist with the preparation for the Fatality Review Team meetings and compiling data for the Team. Provides service management and/or counseling, or referrals for service management, for the victim/survivor/survivor to enhance prosecution or safety for the victim/survivor and her/his children. Document in participant’s file as appropriate. Attends court hearings, trials and other events as appropriate. Assists with monthly statistical reports and other reports that may be required by the agency. Has a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, service programs, and confidentiality and privilege. Service management and documentation meets the Florida Department of Children and Families program standards and Florida Statute. Responsible for overseeing and managing participant service in compliance with organizational policies and procedures, contracts, DCF standards, and applicable laws. Intercedes as necessary with members of the Clerk of Courts office, State Attorney’s office, law enforcement or judges on behalf of victims and survivors of domestic violence. Educates victims and survivors on their options within the legal/judicial system. Assists victims and survivors with completing paperwork that may be required by the judicial system in order to facilitate legal procedures. Assists victims with filing victim’s compensation claims. Maintains a good working relationship with all areas of the judicial system and law enforcement. Obtains police reports from law enforcement partners. Other duties as assigned. Occasional duties or projects which may be performed at irregular intervals Makes community education/awareness presentations as appropriate Business-Related Contacts Works collaboratively with law enforcement agencies, personnel in other community agencies and Spring Staff when providing advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. This position may require co-location with local law enforcement partners several days per week to support collaboration and service coordination. Prohibited Functions Does not respond to requests from the media. Does not provide any service which could be interpreted as practicing law. Requirements Education/Training/Experience Master’s degree in human services (or similar) preferred. Minimum of 2 years domestic violence experience required. Bachelor’s degree in human services or similar degree is required with a minimum of 2 years experience working with victims of domestic violence. Experience in court advocacy and/or negotiation. Can function calmly in a crisis atmosphere. Have knowledge of community resources and the ability to maintain a cordial working relationship with other agencies. Have computer skills and can work in the Windows or above software programs and environments. Must function independently while working cooperatively as a member of a team. Must pass all required agency background checks and screenings. Certification or Licensing Requirements Requires Domestic Violence Core Competency training plus an additional 6 hours of individualized training (30 hours total) to qualify for privilege status; must successfully pass written test. Valid Florida Driver’s License with at least two years driving experience, active automobile insurance and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report. Must be able to pass and maintain a Level II background check. Requires ongoing 16-hours of DV related training after the first year. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to hear, talk, stand, sit, walk, use hands and reach. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment The work environment is normally that of an office atmosphere with a moderate noise level. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Additional Remarks Demonstrated maturity and good judgment. Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and with expertise. A self‑starter and the ability to perform with a high degree of autonomy and as part of a team. Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision making. Excellent organizational, analytical and time management skills. Excellent verbal and oral communication and presentation skills. Knowledge of domestic violence and victim issues, including advocacy activities, statutes and impact on children. Maintains professionalism at all times, in all situations. Reliable transportation required. Willingness to be flexible with schedule. Must be able to work with a culturally diverse community with sensitivity and professionalism. #J-18808-Ljbffr