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SUMMARY

The Direct Service Advocate provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, and court accompaniment services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. This is a non-supervisory role that includes direct service responsibilities, specialized administrative duties related to VELA database support and client data quality, and participation in designated community meetings. The Direct Service Advocate works collaboratively with other staff and Program Managers to ensure consistent, high-quality services across Carroll County.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Essential functions are fundamental job duties required for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

 

Direct Service (95%)

  • Provide survivor-driven, trauma-informed crisis intervention and advocacy using the empowerment model to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking.
    • Communicate client concerns, safety issues, and coordination needs to Program Managers.
    • Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and required training.
    • Uphold trauma-informed and survivor-centered practice. 
  • Provide support for parents of children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES).
  • Assist families with the establishment of financial goals and financial planning toward the goal of obtaining permanent housing, through financial literacy and other supports.
  • Provide direct assistance to victims in completing applications for housing and other public assistance, solving transportation barriers, securing affordable childcare, and accessing other supportive community programs.
  • Provide information and assistance to clients seeking victim compensation benefits.
  • Utilize strong de-escalation and empowerment skills to best support survivors and their families in identifying their own needs and goals and increasing survivors’ safety.
  • Answer the agency’s phone and provide direct services to walk-in clients during office hours.
  • Offer in-person support and accompaniment at hospitals, police departments, courts, Child Advocacy Centers, and other service locations.
  • Provide transportation for clients when appropriate and in accordance with agency policy.
  • Deliver support group facilitation on a rotating basis.
  • Assist with volunteer training sessions in areas of expertise, as coordinated by Program Managers.
  • Assist with receiving donations and supplies, loading, unloading, and restocking.
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential documentation of all client interactions in accordance with NHCADSV Program Standards.

 

Hotline & Emergency Response (5%)

  • Participate in the agency’s crisis line rotation, providing phone-based crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.
  • Assist with emergency response as needed, according to NHCADSV Program Standards.

 

Additional Responsibilities 

  • Other duties asassigned.

 

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

  • Uphold all confidentiality, safety, and mandatory reporting policies.
  • Understanding of the Agency’s policies and procedures, state and federal regulations, andother pertinent legal requirements.
  • Understanding issues related to domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
  • Respond to questions and concerns from participants, co-workers, supervisor, and community partners as appropriate, in a timely fashion, and in a manner that supports the mission and core values of the program and organization.
  • Ability to work independently; conscientious, thorough, and trustworthy.

 

RESPONSIBILITY TO SAFETY

  • Protect the safety of self, co-workers, and Starting Point clients at all times.
  • Report any potentially harmful equipment or situations without delay.
  • Thoroughly document safety-related accidents and incidents.
  • Follow all Agency safety policies and procedures.
  • Operate equipment in a safe manner that will not lead to injury of self or others.
  • Drive in accordance with the law and Starting Point policies.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • None.

 

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education

  • Completes NH RSA 173C initial requirement of 30 hours of training prior to provision of direct services, as well as at least six hours of additional direct service-related training annually.
  • Associate degree and/or 1 year of relevant experience. Crisis center advocacy experience preferred.

 

Skills

  • Strong crisis intervention and advocacy skills.
  • Excellent listening and communication skills.
  • Ability to address conflict and contribute alternative solutions in a direct, constructive, and professional manner.
  • Demonstrated computer literacy, at a minimum, including Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, and the Internet.
  • Ability to prioritize, be self-directed, self-motivated, and manage a variety of tasks.
  • Fosters positive, safe, and trauma-informed relationships with survivors while supporting and understanding empowerment philosophy.

 

Knowledge

  • Understanding of family issues, intersecting oppressions, power and control, empowerment model, trauma-informed advocacy, and the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
  • Knowledge of local community resources and social service agencies.

 

Abilities

  • Complete and pass a background check.
  • Work independently with survivors and collaboratively with co-workers and colleagues.
  • Maintain confidentiality, integrity, ethics, and trust at all levels.
  • Passionate about the issues of domestic and sexual violence.
  • Maintain appropriate personal/professional boundaries with participants and co-workers to maintain clear, open, and unbiased lines of communication.
  • Establish and maintain a record of dependability with regard to punctuality, following call-out procedures, and adhering to the policies, practices, and guidelines set by the agency.
  • Be professional in all interactions.

 

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required of an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Must be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks (such as phone calls, computer work, attending meetings) under stressful situations and able to function well in a fast-paced environment consistently.
  • Must be capable of using a visual display terminal with keyboard, repetitively use his/her wrist, elbow, and shoulder.
  • Frequently required to sit for extended periods.
  • Regularly required to speak, hear, stand, walk, and climb stairs.
  • Ability to engage with clients experiencing trauma, crisis, and emotional distress.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Works in office settings, courts, hospitals, police stations, and other agency-designated locations.
  • Time in the office is 50% computers, 15% meetings, and 35% phones.
  • Work may be interrupted by the immediate needs of a client in a crisis.
  • Regular travel within Carroll County required.
  • Professional training opportunities may include overnight travel (for example, annual New Hampshire Attorney General’s Conference) and are optional. 

 

 

HOURS

  • Full-time 40 Hours a week, Monday-Friday. Some evenings, holidays, and weekends are required as part of the hotline rotation schedule or evening volunteer training.
  • Schedule includes regular availability aligned with required court coverage to ensure court and client needs are met.
    • Court hours are typically 8:00 AM-4:00 PM.
  • Scheduling specifics will be determined with Program Managers and the Executive Director.

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Starting Point provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic is prohibited.