Primary Advocate

I. Position Summary


This position is responsible for providing direct support and legal advocacy services to shelter residents of Women's Advocates. The Primary Advocate provides case management, connections and referrals resources, crisis intervention, and legal advocacy to victim-survivors of domestic violence. This position participates in the on-call schedule rotation to provide back-up phone and in-person support to shelter staff, covering shifts as needed.

The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday from 10am - 6pm

The budgeted pay range for this position is $22 - $25/hour

II. Duties and Responsibilities

General Advocacy:

1. Provides case management to all victim-survivors in shelter including residents who are all genders, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and/or have limited mobility.


2. Enforces shelter policies with residents to ensure safety and positive communal living using a trauma-informed and compassionate approach.


3. Meets regularly with residents on their case load to review goals and work plan, and to encourage them to access the services WA provides that align with their goals (e.g. specific groups, etc.).

4. Assesses level and history of violence experienced and aids in the development of a safety plan for victims and their children.

5. Provides crisis intervention, referral and support to shelter residents and to crisis line callers.

6. Provides individual advocacy with legal, medical, financial, housing, and education resources to residents on their caseload, as well as assisting other residents as needed.

7. Assists arriving and departing residents with storing, labeling, and packing belongings.

8. Collaborates with all other WA teams to meet the residents needs such as UD/housing history, Mental Services, Children's Advocacy, and Safe Harbor Services.


9. Attends program team meetings, provides resident updates, and coordinates services with team members.

10. Other duties as assigned.

Legal Support:

1. Obtains necessary documents from the courthouse and assists residents with filling out paperwork (expungement, divorce paperwork, child custody).

2. Connects with and collaborates with other advocacy groups; provides legal advocacy services and safety planning to victim-survivors from the community at Bridges to Safety.


3. Accompanies residents to court hearings and appointments as necessary for support.


4. Maintains a working knowledge of court and community resources in order to assist residents with navigating legal and governmental system.


5. Provides residents and program participants with information regarding Safe at Home, the Address Confidentiality Program, and the Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE) program.


Data Systems and File Maintenance

1. Collects and maintains accurate information on all residents on their caseload.


2. Enters information into ClientTrack daily, including all vital documents.


3. Ensures all exiting residents complete the exit survey.


4. Responsible for paperwork in files (organized, correct file tabs, and file management).


Staff Development - Training others and self

1. In order to provide the best possible service to our residents and housing stability program participants, it is critical for the person in this position to actively increase self-development by identifying and participating in various trainings in the area of domestic abuse, case management, crisis intervention, data collection and management and/or other trainings or classes that will enhance professional development. Other critical ways to enhance development could include joining a peer group, listservs, reading, webinars, and more.


2. Assists the development of the team by mentoring new employees and providing training on their areas of expertise at the direction of their manager or director.

3. Stays current on organization policies and procedures by regularly reviewing policies and attending trainings provided by WA.

Requirements

1. Three years of experience providing advocacy and legal resources to vulnerable individuals & families.


2. Experience with and a strong commitment to working with people of all backgrounds, all genders, the LGBTQ+ population, and persons with disabilities.


3. Specialized knowledge of the legal options and tools available to domestic violence victim/survivors.


4. Knowledge of immigration, legal, child protection, and social service systems.


5. Demonstrated desire and motivation to learn about and stay abreast of legal and policy changes affecting victim/survivors.


6. Strong interpersonal & written communication skills.


7. Supports the self determination of victim survivors with a non-judgmental, trauma informed and compassionate, warm approach.


8. Good computer skills with demonstrated ability in Microsoft office products and database entry.


9. Ability to prioritize, handle a variety of tasks and be self-directed.


10. Ability to handle client, administrative and personnel information with complete confidentiality.


11. Be able to reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 30 pounds.

12. Be able to navigate an environment with lots of stairs.

13. Ability to work effectively across difference.


14. Demonstrated experience with and/or commitment to intercultural development and anti-racism work in the workplace.


15. Commitment to actively contributing to the organization being a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community


16. Must have own vehicle, valid driver's license and current car insurance.

17. Criminal background check is required for this position.

18. Second language preferred.