Victim Advocate - SAF House

Job Description

Job Description

Full-Time - 37.5 hours per week / 52 weeks per year

Pay Rate: $18.18 - $22.45

Grade 13

Monday to Friday - 9:00am - 5:00pm

About This Position:

The SAF program (Services to Aid Families) is looking for a victim advocate to support survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking in the SAF House, the domestic violence shelter in Oswego County. This position changes lives by helping survivors regain their independence and live a life free from abuse.

JOB SUMMARY :

Provides direct services to victims of domestic/dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking, according to OCO Universal Delivery methods, at SAF’s confidential, emergency domestic violence shelter. Provides support to assigned manager to assist with smooth operations and provision of services at the SAF House. Works independently and as part of a team to provide intervention and care management services to adult clients and their children. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies & procedures and funder regulations.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, information & referrals, advocacy and solution focused decision making to individuals and families experiencing victimization at the SAF House and via the crisis hotline and/or assigned site.
• Works in collaboration with a wide variety of service providers and community support agencies to engage consumers and assist them in connecting to needed services.
• Directly manages crisis situations, provides de-escalation, and mediation to victims residing in the SAF House.
• Works in collaboration with the management team to support Advocacy staff with functions of the program.
• Assists with documentation of services.
• Informs consumers of available services in the community to meet their specific needs. Assists with referrals and provides advocacy and assistance with completion of applications for a variety of individual needs, including, OVS compensation claims and applications for public assistance, HUD, apartment rentals and any needed community service.
• Follows strict protocols for safety when working on behalf of victims to ensure confidentiality of clients and the location of the SAF House.
• Develops and maintains assessments and individualized service plans and coordinates service activities to help consumers meet their needs and protect their rights in a variety of civil and legal processes.
• Provides the teaching and coaching of life skills such as safety planning, positive problem-solving, healthy relationships, proper hygiene, food safety, and basic parent education.
• Assist with weekly support group at the SAF House.
• Provides and arranges transportation to assist consumers to connect with the courts and police agencies, medical providers, DSS caseworkers, and other needed resources in the community.
• Case-manages on clients’ behalf with co-workers, supervisors and community partners including law enforcement, local courts, probation, attorneys, DSS, and CPS caseworkers, school officials, care managers, landlords, and others as needed.
• Maintains extensive records for individual client-related services, as well as a variety of documentation used to report program outcomes, provide data in the agency data management system; and complete documents for billable services and grant reports.
• Oversees program specific functions, as assigned.

  JOB REQUIREMENTS :

• Have a desire to work with individuals and families and have a thorough understanding of the family development process.
• Must complete and maintain all regulatory training/education for NYS DOH Rape Crisis Certification and Domestic Violence Advocate privilege.
• Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated, resourceful, organized and adaptable in carrying out job duties.
• Must be familiar with the geographical layout of the county and have knowledge of civil/legal systems and human service resources in the county.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills and have excellent documentation and reporting skills.
• Must possess skills for data entry and have the ability to read and interpret complex information and manipulate data.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work with others in a warm, non-judgmental manner and be a positive role model.
• Must be able to direct the work of others, set priorities, and problem solve.
• Must exhibit professionalism, good judgment and maintain strict confidentiality with regard to client information and location of the SAF House.
• Must exhibit a detailed knowledge of regulations, services, rights and responsibilities for the population served.
• Must have the ability to work with populations with special needs, including those that may exhibit aggressive behaviors, individuals with mental health or substance use disorder, and individuals with a developmental disability.
• Must be flexible with work schedule in order to meet the needs of the program.
• Must have acceptable health to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license with driving record within policy and access to a properly insured, reliable vehicle for regular travel and transporting consumers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

• Associate’s Degree in a Human Services area preferred; and
• 2 years of experience with youth/families; OR any equivalent combination of relevant education, experience, and training.

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Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.