Advocate

JOB TITLE:              Advocate                
DEPARTMENT:     Advocacy
FLSA STATUS:       Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Hourly
SALARY:                  $18/ hr.
REPORTS TO:        Shelter Coordinator

LOCATION:              On-Site

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL EMPLOYEES

Supports Project Woman’s mission and values by exhibiting the following behaviors: confidentiality and respect for all survivors, Trauma-Informed Responses and Approaches, service excellence and job competence, promoting positive collaboration and commitment to community. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator, provides empowerment based, survivor-defined advocacy consistent with domestic violence and sexual assault best practices to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and their families. Primary population served will be survivors in the community and/or emergency shelter providing on-site or mobile advocacy. Assists with community outreach and events, and training for volunteers, staff and community partners as needed. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides holistic, survivor-defined domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy and supportive services to survivors participating in shelter, community advocacy, and/or transitional housing programming, to meet safety, health, and independence needs.
2. Utilizes Trauma- Informed Approaches, Crisis Intervention, and conflict management strategies for survivors experiencing trauma reactions.
3. Assists survivors with developing safety plans and assists with on-going safety strategies to enhance independence from violence for the individual and their family.
4. Responds to area hospitals for advocacy support during SANE exams. 
5. Maintain privacy and confidentiality of all participants in Project Woman programming as required by the Violence Against Woman Act federal statute.
6. Participates in rotation of on-call crisis response to hospital and law enforcement via cell phone 24 hours daily.
7. Provides Crisis Line coverage as needed, including providing direct service crisis intervention, resources, and referrals.
8. Willingness to assist with Emergency Shelter coverage when needed.
9. Participates in the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) with other Project Woman staff to collaboratively help survivors meet their identified goals.
10. Attends agency, trainings, and continuing education activities, as assigned.
11. Collects and maintains survivor level data and documentation, adhering to domestic violence and sexual assault best practice standards, funding requirements, and in keeping with Violence Against Women Act statute requirements.
12. Maintains and helps strengthen positive collaboration with community partners including social service agencies, hospitals, taskforces, law enforcement agencies, and criminal justice programs, as necessary to ensure appropriate access, and to address barriers for survivors.
13. Assists with domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking trainings for community partners and other stakeholders, as needed.
14. Consistently represents the mission and philosophy of the agency.
15. Performs other duties as needed, requested, or as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two-year degree, or higher, in a human service-related field, preferred. Relevant work or lived experience may be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Experience working in domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, or related fields.
• Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking issues.
• Experience in crisis intervention strategies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and willing to learn new technology platforms.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, social services, and community resources.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional boundaries in working with survivors and their families.
• Experience with Trauma-Informed Approaches, Ohio Rape Crisis Core Standards, and Crisis Intervention.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive in crisis situations.
• Ability to practice good self-care.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and provide culturally competent services.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong professional ethics, including confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
• Excellent Interpersonal and communication skills.
• Supportive, positive, and empathetic personality.
• Excellent time management and multitasking skills.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• General knowledge of customer service skills.

COMPENSATION

This position starts at $18 per hour and is a full-time (40 hours), non-exempt position. A stipend is offered for on-call rotation. Benefits include partially paid health insurance for employees, including dental and vision, voluntary life insurance, and voluntary short and long term disability. Project Woman will assist personnel in applying for Registered Advocate (RA) status or other professional licenses, if desired. Employment with Project Woman allows for participation in statewide domestic violence and sexual assault coalition collaborations, caucuses, and taskforces.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is generally performed in a standard office environment and is moderately active. Work may include sitting and standing for long periods of time. Work in this environment will result in regularly assisting people in acute distress or crisis.

• While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand;
• Handle and operate standard office equipment;
• The ability to move about and position self efficiently to perform physical tasks and address emergency situations;
• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Project Woman is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Project Woman of Ohio is committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects human diversity and improves opportunities for all. The agency is committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action, and eliminating discrimination. Project Woman does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other basis under the law, in its employment.