Advocate - Part Time - Weekends

Job Type Part-time Description

The philosophy of our organization is that all people have the right to live without fear, abuse, oppression, and violence. Our advocacy programs embrace the philosophy that people experiencing violence and/or abuse have the potential to control their lives and can be helped in doing so through support, information, and encouragement. We believe that our organization should model behavior that is nonviolent and uses power responsibly for personal and organizational action and growth.

Position Summary

The Advocate serves as a staff member at will of Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS). The Advocate will provide advocacy and assistance for all Shelter clients in an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Priority 1: Equity and Inclusion

• Reflect and understand how identities could give advantages in the workplace—even if they are not asked for or earned—while others might experience disadvantages. Reflect on how our position and power may shift depending on the environment, the people, or the institutions at play. Build the awareness and compassion that is needed and expected to create an equitable and inclusive workplace.
• Create an inclusive environment and behave in a way that ensures that clients and employees feel embraced, no matter what their cultural orientations are, respected and valued, engaged, and connected to the community, and safe from abuse and harassment.

Priority 2: Client Services

• Making rounds routinely and engaging clients. Document in client electronic file meaningful contact with clients.
• Provide crisis intervention services for phone-in and walk-in clients. Assess needs and make informed referrals to other community resources.
• Assist clients with case management.
• Screen, and perform initial entry and exit interviews for clients during your shift.
• Assist clients with chores and model how chores should be completed.
• Organize and conduct activities for shelter residents. Support efforts to provide a structural, therapeutic environment through the implementation of shelter guidelines.

Other Duties/Responsibilities: Other assistance to support the overall goals of the department and organization. DVIS retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Budgetary/Fiscal Responsibilities: Acts as a good steward of DVIS’s resources.

Responsibility for Confidentiality: The nature of this work requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of DVIS and its clients.

Contact with Others: This position will interact with managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Documentation: Maintains up-to-date and accurate files for each client according to agency guidelines and current professional standards.

Meetings and Training: Attend meetings and training as requested by the supervisor.

Hours: 

Saturday: 8:15 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Sunday: 4:45 P.M. - 10:45 P.M.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or counseling, is required or preferred, or in a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Experience: None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proven computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite are necessary.

Understanding and sensitivity toward the issues involved in domestic violence, particularly as they relate to women and children.

Understanding of chemical dependency.

Skills in individual advocacy and case management, with the ability to effectively facilitate and coordinate support groups.

Active listening skills and ability to engage clients in assessing needs, problem-solving, and goal setting.

Ability to work with others in a collaborative decision-making process.

Knowledge of or experience working with social justice issues, specifically intimate partner and gender-based domestic and sexual violence, and racial, class, gender, sexual orientation issues, and intervention/prevention services strongly preferred. Requires dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks.