Sr. Advocate SAF

Provides direct services to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and other crimes, according to OCO Universal Service Delivery methods in diverse locations, including OCO offices, other agency offices, program sites, public places and the homes of consumers. Provides support to assigned manager to assist with smooth operations and provision of services. Acts as working leader and provides support to Advocates on assigned team. Independently provides intervention and care management services to an assigned population and oversees project functions as assigned. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies/procedures and funder regulations.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling, advocacy and solution focused decision making to individuals and families experiencing victimization via the crisis hotline and in-person (at home, in the community, at court, the hospital, on campus, DSS, etc.)
• 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.
• Works in collaboration with the management team to support Advocacy staff with functions of the program; acts content expert and working leader in assigned team and provides support and guidance to advocates.
• Assists with components of training including NYS DOH Rape Crisis Certification, 24 Hour Crisis Hotline Response and documentation of such 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, but not limited to petitions for orders of protection, child custody/visitation, Affidavits for assigned counsel or Orders to Show Cause, Victim Impact Statements, Public Assistance, OVS compensation claims, HUD benefits, the Child Protective/Adult Protective Services process, as well as monitors the provision of these and other services to primary and secondary victims.
• Follows strict protocols for safety when working in public on behalf of victims including protection of the confidentiality of staff.
• 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, civil/legal systems, positive problem-solving, healthy relationships; facilitates education and prevention education in the community.
• Provides or arranges transportation to enable consumers to connect with the courts and police agencies, medical providers, DSS caseworkers, and other needed resources in the community.
• Provides on-call 24-Hour Rape Crisis Response crisis intervention related to the forensic medical exam and or medical treatment on a rotating basis as scheduled to the local emergency room for victims of sexual assault
• Case-manages on clients’ behalf with co-workers, supervisors and community partners including law enforcement, local courts, prosecutors, probation and attorneys as needed.
• Plans safety for Victims of Domestic Violence and Crime while maintaining staff safety in a variety of settings; in client homes, during accompaniments to court and law enforcement agencies, apartment viewings, and more.
• Plans and conducts training for program staff and community partners in specialized topic areas as assigned related to domestic and sexual violence
• Attends internal and external meetings as assigned and assists in meeting facilitation as required.
• 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.
• Acts in a Leadership role, represents the agency to community partners and oversees program specific functions, as assigned.
• Carries out project responsibilities as described in the attached addendum.
• Collaborates with community partners in the development and implementation of joint protocols to ensure compliance with regulations and eligibility requirements.

• Have a desire to work with individuals and families and has a thorough understanding of the family development process and the OCO Service Delivery system.
• 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 complex 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.
• 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.
• Must be flexible with work schedule in order to meet the needs of the program; must participate in 24 hour on-call emergency services on a rotating basis.
• 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.

• Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services area preferred; and
• Must have 1-3 years’ experience in Human Services/Victim Assistance programming with a wide variety of ages and populations; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training.