Client Support Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Client Support Advocate staffs the front desk at our Empowerment Center and is the first contact for survivors and others as they walk through our doors. The advocate is responsible for ensuring that everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported. The advocate performs a wide variety of tasks, both with survivors and in support of the programs and activities of the Empowerment Center. The advocate is part of our Crisis Response team and assists with the delivery of all of our immediate crisis response services. This position is part of a team and does not have  any supervisory duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Crisis Line:

• Provide immediate crisis intervention services, safety planning, advocacy and other information and resources to domestic violence survivors.
• Respond in-person to advocacy calls from law enforcement, emergency medical teams, and other partner agencies when the need may arise.
• Act as the first point of contact for SAVE clients and the community, offering client-centered, confidential services.
• Provide information and referrals to people calling the crisis line after listening and assessing their needs as a survivor, service provider/advocate, or someone calling on the client’s behalf.

On-Site Support and Data Management:

• Support SAVE’s work in the newly developed gender-based violence (GBV) Coordinated Entry System (CES) by conducting housing assessments, providing housing problem solving services, entering data into the newly established client database and completing other tasks that support the CES project.
• Adhere to the necessary grant requirements for statistical tracking and generate monthly stats and reports.
• Maintain the client spaces at the Empowerment Center including the kitchen area, pantry, client room, computer room etc.
• Manage storage and distribution of diapers, toiletries, clothing, holiday gifts, etc. along with other donation items.

Client Support:

• Responds to crisis calls in a caring, informative, and non-judgmental fashion.
• Track services provided and client information in the electronic database on a daily basis.
• Ensure electronic client files show current, updated information and changes in demographics.
• Provides emergency client services when needed. This may include transportation related needs.
• Work closely with other members of the Crisis Response team to ensure that crisis services are delivered effectively and in keeping with SAVE’s values.

Team Support:

• Support the outreach work of SAVE’s Crisis Response Team by participating in regular training and networking opportunities as requested and assigned by the Crisis Response Team Manager.
• Attends all required meetings, including staff meetings, trainings, consultations, and retreats.
• Provides input into program planning and developments.
• Assists with maintaining program operations, as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required.  Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.  In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Course work in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field OR at least two years related experience providing social services in a conscientious and sensitive manner.
• At least six month’s experience working with domestic violence issues and victims of domestic violence.
• Possess a good working knowledge of and sensitivity to individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
• Experience working with law enforcement or in the criminal justice system.
• Bilingual skills and multicultural experience. Demonstrate the ability to work with a broad range of cultural and ethnic groups.
• Computer literate with knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher) and client tracking.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license, insurance, and access to an automobile. Proof of insurance and loss payee endorsement is required.
• Must be a certified domestic violence counselor or undergo the state-mandated 40-hour training to become certified.
• Ability to work in a crisis-oriented environment with the ability to adapt to a variety of environments or work demands.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work independently.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to the mission and values of SAVE.
• Must pass background check conducted by Human Resources.

Core Competencies:

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Confidentiality and discretion
• Time management and reliability
• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to follow established processes and controls

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to remain in a stationary position; move, traverse; sit; operate, activate, use, prepare, and position; perform repetitive motion, data entry; ascend/descend, work atop, traverse; position self (to), move; communicate, detect, discern, convey, and express oneself, exchange information; understand and distinguish speech and/or other sounds. The employee must occasionally move, transport, position, put/remove, or install up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to the weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

As an equal opportunity employer, SAVE supports equal opportunity for employment and advancement free of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex (including sexual harassment) pregnancy (childbirth or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality and bisexuality), medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), mental and physical disability (includes HIV and AIDS), political affiliation/opinion, Veteran’s status, or request for family leave. SAVE is committed to ensuring that the work environment of SAVE employees is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.