Community Services Advocate
POSITION DESCRIPTION: Provides intensive individual advocacy and case management services to support victims and survivors as they work toward safety and economic stabilization. The focus of the position is on assisting participants with reducing barriers and increasing access to needed community supports. Work may include assisting with safety planning, accessing/maintaining stable housing and income supports, building assets, and retaining or advancing in employment. Services are provided in Bloomington office and will involve both phone and in person advocacy. Work schedule is flexible including days and an evening on occasion. Automobile not required.
Necessary Qualities:
· Passion for Ending Poverty, Violence and Abuse
· Enthusiastic and Positive Team Member
· Ability to Engage and Develop Rapport Easily
· Strong Interest in Growing Professionally and Developing New skills
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBLITIES include but are not limited to the following:
Direct Service:
· Respond to referral line and follow up with victims and survivors regarding self- identified needs.
· Schedule appointments, as needed, and provide individual support for survivors as they move toward safety and longer-term economic security.
· Provide individual economic advocacy and support to survivors as they attempt to resolve the practical problems of living that have resulted from poverty and/or violence.
· Establish weekly meetings with survivors in order to assist with the development of an individual goal plan, credit action plan, cost of living plan, and safety plan – and to evaluate progress and celebrate successes.
· Meet with emergency services participants prior to program exit to describe and offer on-going community services programming. Complete initial assessments, developing necessary linkages, and resource referrals as appropriate.
· Provide documentation of all services delivered, through ongoing charting and completing monthly service reports.
· Act as liaison with referring agencies.
Program
· Keep accurate records of phone calls and in-person contacts.
· Use assessment tools on a pre-determined basis to track participant progress and address barriers.
· Maintain participant program file including safety plan, completion of workshops/educational programming and progress on goals.
· All other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Administrative Responsibilities
· Assures data entry is completed accurately in Apricot database and other tracking methods.
· Properly documents all critical incidents: child protection reports, emergency response calls, and participant injury/cons.
· Completes other documentation as assigned by supervisor.
ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
· Promotes Cornerstone Advocacy Service’s mission, values & philosophy.
· Displays high ethical and professional standards.
· Educates community members and professionals about interpersonal violence and available services as directed by supervisor.
· Attend all staff meetings and required trainings as assigned.
· Attend and participate in supervision meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS/ EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field, Master’s Degree preferred. Experience working with families impacted by interpersonal violence and abuse preferred. Strong interest in learning and understanding the intersection of poverty and family violence, safety planning, dynamics of abuse and economic advocacy, and willing to demonstrate the ability to maximize family strengths in a culturally competent way.