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Position Summary
The Community Advocate will assist and support primary and secondary adult and child victims/survivors of domestic, dating, stalking and sexual violence that promotes trust and communication during crisis, as well as provide support services to help them stabilize their lives after victimization. The Community Advocates assists victims as they proceed through the criminal justice and/or medical system.
Department: Community Services
Supervisor: Community Services Coordinator
Essential Duties
Advocacy
Attend forensic exams (SANE, domestic violence, etc.) and other medical appointments with clients, supporting their needs and clarifying information
Attend court hearings with clients; assisting with preparation, providing information about processes, etc.
Assist clients to complete and submit victim compensation applications
Communicate with creditors, landlords, employers and others on behalf of clients, at client’s request
Assist clients to apply for community resources such as housing, drug/alcohol counseling, mental health services, financial assistance, etc.
o Assist clients to submit comments to courts and parole boards
o Accompany clients to appointments; provide transportation, as needed
o Stay with clients during appointments (as appropriate) to provide assistance and clarify information
Support and Referrals
Assist clients to develop safety plans, both immediate and long term
Provide information on victims' legal rights and protections
Provide information on the criminal justice process
Provide emotional support to clients
Assist clients to enter shelter and provide transportation, as needed
Perform client intakes, as assigned
Provide peer counseling to clients during crisis and after to help stabilize their lives after victimization
Meet walk-in clientele, as needed
Provide clients with referrals for other services
Respond to on-call requests for victims, sometimes at various locations including, but not limited to, law enforcement centers, hospitals, on-scene (as requested by law enforcement) and other public locations
Community Outreach
Facilitate group presentations on prevention and/or victim identification to a variety of diverse
audiences
Provide information on victimization
Provide information on crime prevention
Develop ongoing relationships and disseminate information about Options, Inc. services to a variety of community partners who are often the first point of contact for victims including, but not limited to, law enforcement, hospitals and social services
Other duties as assigned
Knowledge & Skills
Must be knowledgeable of the principles of sound peer counseling practices with victims of
domestic violence and sexual assault, including working with the continuum of domestic violence and sexual assault services
Must understand victimization and demonstrate practices sensitive to domestic violence and sexual assault
Strong oral communication skills required to effectively communicate with a broad range of
individuals
Strong written communications skills required to maintain quality documentation
Ability to prioritize all aspects of the job
Willingness to work within flexible agency schedules, including on-call duties on evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed
Ability to provide group and individual peer counseling sessions
Strong problem solving skills required and must be a common sense thinker who can be a quick decision maker when necessary
Must display professionalism and leadership qualities
May be required to lift up to 20 lbs
Professional Behavior and Ethics
Ability to maintain confidential client and agency information
Present a professional manner and appearance while performing duties of position
Demonstrate commitment to high professional ethical standards in the workplace
Ability to demonstrate respect and sensitivity for cultural and individual differences
Demonstrate commitment to Options, Inc. mission and purpose
Ability to function effectively in a team environment; demonstrate ability to provide ideas and collaborate for solutions; able to view situations from different perspectives
Exhibit objectivity as well as openness to other’s views
Positive, enthusiastic attitude; demonstrate ability to exercise tact
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of one year experience in a social service organization OR
Associate Degree and two years work experience with adults and children who have been abused OR
High school diploma/GED with 3 years’ work experience with adults and children who have been abused.
Candidates must have flexibility in working hours, including on-call availability and the willingness to work holidays.
Demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity, sexual orientation and religious backgrounds.
Ability to work in the United States
Valid Kansas Driver’s License
Reliable vehicle w/current vehicle insurance
Clean driving record
Position Type:
Full Time; 40 hours per week
Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (typically)
Hourly
Please send resume, cover letter and references to:
Jennifer Hecker at h2.options@help4abuse.org