Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Advocate

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality crisis counseling and advocacy with Mercy Medical Center patients identified as domestic violence (DV) and/or sexual assault (SA) victims.
• Intervene during evenings, weekends and holidays with patients presenting to Mercy to provide assistance in safety planning, danger assessment, emotional support and resource linkage.
• Provide "supportive advocacy" and "warm hand-offs" to other area providers.

Requirements

• Human Service-related college degree.
• May substitute suitable 2 years work experience with domestic violence and sexual violence victims.
• Masters in Social Work or health- related field preferred.
• Two years experience working with victims of violence preferred.
• Experience working in an acute healthcare setting preferred.
• Licensures/ Certifications: Preferable - Current MD Driver's license, automobile and proof of automobile insurance.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to pay close attention to detail during intervention work times.
• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for up to 80% of the work time.
• Working with interdisciplinary staff up to 70% of time with varied levels of stress.
• May be exposed to communicable disease, clinical environment, unpleasant conditions and hazardous chemicals.

Skills

• Demonstrates knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault dynamics and the impact on health and wellness.
• Skill in using computers including documentation in electronic medical records and use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Advanced skills in working effectively and sensitively with persons in crisis.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications and the ability to work collaboratively with all levels of personnel, both inside and outside of the organization, including health care providers, community providers and law enforcement.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and tact; ability to maintain poise and professional courtesy under pressure.
• Demonstrates ability to constructively and sensitively provide feedback to providers regarding care delivery to domestic violence and sexual assault patients.

Salary Information

Compensation decisions are made in alignment with internal equity, role scope, and market data to ensure fair and consistent pay practices. Most new hires are typically placed within the lower to mid-portion of the range; offers above that level are reserved for candidates with advanced or highly specialized qualifications.

Benefits

• Competitive health, prescription, vision and dental benefits & wellness credit for eligible employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with generous company match and “catch up” provision.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & company paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Mental Health resources and other employee related wellness opportunities through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer paid Short & Long Term Disability benefits for eligible employees.
• Discounts on auto & home insurance and Verizon plans.
• Mercy’s Rewards & Recognition Program rewarding employees for going above and beyond in living Mercy’s Mission and Values.