Survivor Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $21.00 - $28.00 per hour DOE

As a vital member of the One SAFE Place, the SurvivorAdvocateservesas the primary point of entry for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault,elder abuse, and human trafficking.The Survivor Advocate is a generalist role andprovides theinitialintake experience for all clients, delivering crisis intervention, peer counseling, assessment, information and referrals, and civil legalassistancein a trauma-informed, client-led manner.This positionoperateswithin an integrated team, collaborating across internal programs and with community-based organizations to ensure a comprehensive, person-centered response to each survivor's needs.

Please note: This position does not qualify as a mandated reporter under Penal Codesection11165.7(a).

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Support and Advocacy

• Serve as theinitialpoint of contact for all incoming clients, conducting trauma-informed intake assessments and crisis intervention

• Provide peer counseling, emotional support, and information and referrals to survivors across service needs

• Develop and update individualized safety and support plans in collaboration with survivors.

• Assistsurvivors in emergency situations to obtain shelter, financialassistance,medical care,and other basic needs.

• Help survivorsidentifyand accessappropriate internaland external services, including onsite and offsite partners and community collaboratives.

• Respond to requests for on-site advocacy and accompaniment at law enforcement agencies, courts, and medical facilities.

• Provide Crisis Hotline coverage, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Ensure thatsurvivors includingtheirdependentsand support persons-areprovided with a safe,client- centeredenvironmentinalingmentwith department philosophy and procedures.

• Helpfacilitatesupport groups or workshops for survivors, as assigned.

• Provide Crisis Hotline coverage, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Civil Legal Assistance

• Assistclients in understanding the protective order process and preparing and filing applications for temporary restraining orders and protective orders

• Provide clients with information and support to navigate civil legal processes independently where appropriate

• Consult with the Legal Advocate as a resource on complex protective order matters

• Coordinate referrals to the Legal Advocate for clients requiring court accompaniment or ongoing legal advocacy services.

Shelter Intake Backup

• Maintain training toconductshelterintakeswhenshelter staff are unavailable.

• Conduct shelter intake assessments and orient new shelter residents in alignment with shelter procedures.

Documentation and General

• Maintainaccuratefiles, progress notes, and data entryin alignmentwithagency and grant guidelines.

• Complete andsubmitall required client forms and documentationaccurately and ontime.

• Maintain confidentiality of client information,pursuant toEvidence CodeSection1037.

• Assistwith front desk and walk-in coverage as needed.

• Attend andparticipatein staff meetings and in-servicetraining, as requested.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care principles and best practices in supporting survivors of violence.

• Ability to conduct intake assessments, crisis intervention, and peer counseling with skill and consistency

• Working knowledge of the protective order process and ability toassistclients in preparing and filing applications

• Ability to navigate complex, high-stress situations and multiple service systems with sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism.

• Demonstratedproficiencyin computer use, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other relevant software, with the ability to learn and navigate agency-specific documentation systems.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document client work clearly and accurately.

• Effective teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work well across diverse disciplines and professional settings, and tomaintainpositive rapport with clients, staff, volunteers, and community partners.

• Experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse populations and a commitment toequitable, trauma-informed service delivery, with respectforothers' experiences, opinions, language, culture, and knowledge.

• Working knowledge of local community resources and the ability to makeappropriate referralsacross multiple systems.

• Awareness of and sensitivity to the dynamics of physical, sexual, and emotional violence and the impact on survivors.

• Valid California driver's license, certificate of insurance, and reliable transportationrequired.

Education and Experience

• AA or BA in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field preferred; or a minimum of one year of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking.

• Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred but notrequired.

• Satisfactory completion of One SAFE Place's DV/SA Counselor training (post-hire requiremen

• Ability to pass a background investigation including fingerprinting.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to navigate the shelter facility andassistclients in various areas, which may include walking up and down stairs or moving between offices.

• Capability to sit for extended periods while conducting interviews or paperwork, as well as standing for various tasks such as providing support orassistance.

• Ability to lift and carry items up to 25 pounds, which may include files, supplies, orassistancefor clients if needed.

• Ability to see and read documents, client forms, and screens for data entry and assessments.

Benefits

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k) package

• Prestige Urgent Care Membership

• Paid Time Off

Please note that One SAFE Place serves survivors of all genders. If you are also a survivor, we trust that you are in a place of personal healing where you can remain client-focused and manage personal challenges that may arise. You are always encouraged to check in with the director and your supervisor as needed foradditionalsupport.

One SAFE Place is an At-Will Employer.

One SAFE Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer.