Advocate

POSITION TITLE: Advocate STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 3

DEPT: SVSS PROGRAM: Advocacy and Crisis Intervention

REPORTS TO: Coordinator-Advocacy & Crisis Intervention Services

SUMMARY: The Bilingual preferred Advocate provides the support needed by sexual assault survivors that enables them to make informed decisions regarding issues which range from reporting of the assault through treatment choices, etc. The Advocate is responsible for providing crisis intervention for the survivors and their significant others and provides various means of on-going support. The Advocate engages in community relationships to promote knowledge and collaborations. The Advocate actively supports the promotion of synergy across YWCA programs and in Racial Justice work.

COLLABORATES WITH: Collaborations exist with the Coordinator – Advocacy & Crisis Intervention Services; SVSS staff members at the location and at other sites; other YWCA staff members; and community partners.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Services: Participate in the provision of on-call services during the work-day, overnight and weekends. Provide all member services to victims of sexual violence and their non-offending significant others. Participate in the provision of twenty-four hour telephone, and in-person, crisis intervention services. Provide initial and on-going support to members; provide victim, referral and advocacy information by telephone hotline; provide information through medical and criminal justice programs. Represent the YWCA by maintaining professional standards and ethics. (50%)

Community Training & Institutional Advocacy: Develop and implement professional training for medical, criminal justice and social service personnel, regarding non-judgmental service provision to victims of sexual violence. Promote and encourage community sensitivity to sexual assault issues. Conduct presentations and trainings for community groups and other organizations. Interact with first responders in the community to develop and to implement victim-centric policies. (20%)

Administrative Tasks: Complete required statistical reports. Maintain records for all relevant areas of direct service and volunteer program. (10%)

Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Retention: Participate in the coordination and supervision of volunteer programs, including: volunteer recruitment and screening; training, development and continuing education; and scheduling. Maintain volunteer group records; conduct exit interviews as required. Develop and sustain recognition programs for Volunteers. (20%)

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: May participate in the provision of prevention education through agency programs. Assist in the planning and implementation of special events and/or programs. May be required or invited to participate in state-wide coalition meetings.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of six months to a year of experience working in sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking or other trauma-related services is required; a longer period of experience is preferred. Previous training in sexual assault and/or related issues is preferred. Experience as an employee, or as a volunteer, for other nonprofit organization(s) is advantageous.

Demonstrated skills for the position relate to collaboration, communication and skilled public speaking abilities; prior experience in community engagement is advantageous. The Advocate must have the ability to diplomatically present information and to work effectively with the public; skills in cultural competency are necessary. Team collaborations require the demonstrated ability to interact with other members of the work group.

The Advocate must possess the ability to effectively manage shifting priorities and to respond effectively to crises and changing circumstances. The Advocate must possess a high tolerance for chaos and high-stress situations, with a service orientation. The role requires highly developed skills in working with victims and family members who are in crisis; the ability to work with a diverse member base with understanding of cultural "influencers," without judgment, is necessary.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: At minimum, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with a major area of study in social work, human services or a related field, is required.

CERTIFICATION(s) REQUIRED: N/A

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The Advocate must be available for a flexible schedule which includes on-call shifts, during work days, overnights and weekends and to travel locally to provide services to members. The work environment includes offices, hospital emergency departments, police departments and the courthouse. The noise level is usually moderate. Movement requirements include walking, stooping or kneeling. There may be a need to reach or to lift objects, such as packages or supplies. Communication needs include seeing, hearing and speaking. There will be periods of sitting, holding a telephone and using computers. Work will be completed with individuals, small and large groups. Reasonable accommodations will be made for an incumbent to meet the essentials responsibilities of the position.

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm. This position may require work on some evenings and weekends. Schedule can vary depending on the needs of the agency.