Victim Advocate - DV

About the Role

Responsible for working with a caseload of Domestic Violence Victims of Crime to help clients determine their needs; stabilize their lives after a crime; understand and navigate the criminal justice system; and ensure a measure of safety and security through trauma-informed, culturally sensitive crisis intervention, counseling, criminal justice support, and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Receive referrals from medical providers, behavioral health clinicians, and support staff to perform initial domestic violence/sexual assault client assessment and evaluation, utilizing appropriate assessment and evaluation procedures that meet or exceed industry standards.
• Provide coordinated entry and intake assessments for participants seeking housing support, identifying housing service needs, and coordinating initial services.
• Develop a case management plan for each eligible client, provide short-term crisis intervention for clients who voluntarily wish to participate in services, including but not limited to:
  • Accessing emergency shelters and motels
  • Assistance with restraining orders and stalking orders
  • Active listening, peer support, and access to mental health services
  • Employment and long-term housing support
  • Follow-up services in a timely manner
• Support participants in finding and securing safe, affordable housing.
• Help families access resources for housing-related assistance (e.g., furniture procurement, utility assistance).
• Conduct risk assessments and provide ongoing safety planning.
• Advocate with managers and owners for tenancy and negotiate move-in costs.
• Provide mobile advocacy and community engagement as needed.
• Assist victims in attaining self-sufficiency using a strength-based, trauma-informed empowerment model.
• Complete all data entry, case notes, update client files, reports, and other program/grant-required administrative tasks by deadlines.
• Access legal services and obtain protective orders (restraining orders or stalking orders) for clients when necessary.
• Access legal immigration services for clients. Assess client eligibility for immigration relief and assist clients in gathering important documents and evidence, writing letters of support, and obtaining clearance from law enforcement.
• Advocate and coordinate with service providers, domestic violence agencies, law enforcement, and the legal system for the needs of immigrant/refugee women victims and their families.
• Provide or secure interpretation and translation services to link clients with existing mainstream domestic violence services and shelters as needed.
• Maintain confidential individual client files, including records of intakes, assessments, case management plans, hours of service, and all contacts and referrals made.
• Establish and develop working relationships with clients.
• Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management, including developing appropriate safety plans with clients to address the variability of victims’ needs.
• Assist with the filing of victim compensation forms.
• Attend meetings, trainings, and other work-related events as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned or modified based on business needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Two years’ related experience within human services and/or public health.
• Two years’ experience conducting community and/or street outreach, specifically to hard-to-reach populations.
• Experience in community organizing.
• Experience working in underserved communities such as undocumented workers, unaccompanied minors, LGBT populations, communities of color, youth/adolescents, and those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental illness.
• Bilingual English/Spanish (read, write, speak) required (strongly preferred).

Benefits

• Free Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 13 Paid Holidays + PTO
• 403(b) retirement match
• Life Insurance and EAP
• Tuition Reimbursement
• SEIU Union Flexible Spending Account
• Continued workforce development and training
• Succession plans and growth opportunities within the organization