Advocate - FRC

Center Against Sexual and Family Violence Job Description Title: Victim Advocate Supervisor: FRC Advocate Coordinator Status: Non-Exempt Scope of Duties: Plan, implement, and monitor a comprehensive plan of action to ensure the safety and well-being of family violence and sexual assault survivors. Services in this plan of action include, but are not limited to intake, safety planning, hospital accompaniment, assisting and advocating for the client in community systems, promoting the clients’ access to opportunities to attain self-sufficiency, assisting with access to appropriate health care, and incorporating follow-up actions to assist clients in their efforts to attain a violence free life style. Able to identify dysfunctional behavior/behavior disorder as a result of domestic violence and/or Sexual assault. Perform other duties as assigned. Evening and weekend work will be required. Essential Job Functions: Conduct a comprehensive written assessment, safety plan, and service plan for survivors of family violence/sexual assault Escort and/or transport clients to court hearings. Advocate for clients within the various community systems (medical, social, criminal justice, etc.) Support and follow up with clients regularly as they work to attain their goals. Provide hospital accompaniment for survivors of sexual assault on an on-call basis at least 4, six hour shifts a month to include a holiday. Develop and implement group sessions for clients, utilizing best-practices model for intervention and prevention of family violence and/or sexual assault. Attend and participate in, staff meetings, case staffing meetings, and any other meetings required to maintain and improve client services. Ensure that a comprehensive written assessment, service plan, and safety plan are included in each client’s file. Be familiar with legal services, resources, and procedures available to survivors of sexual assault and/or family violence in each county where service is provided. Become very familiar with and abide by CASFV’s policies and procedures and Texas laws pertaining to family violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Plan and implement activities for clients as part of the empowerment process. Compile statistics for the end of the month, as needed by the Associate Director of Client Advocacy or Development Director. Provide training on sexual and family violence services related to adults. Perform general office tasks including, but not limited to, answering and directing telephone calls, filing, faxing, and typing. Answer Hopeline calls. Make and document referrals to community resources. Crosstrain in residential and nonresidential advocacy in the areas of sexual and family violence. Other duties as assigned. Other Duties: Assist and/or serve as contact person for Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid which may include completing legal intakes, attending meetings, and participating in trainings. Increase the Center’s visibility in the community by attending assigned meetings and participating on behalf of the agency. Make community presentations on an on-call basis. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in social services related field. However, a combination of education and experience that can support the successful performance of the job will also be considered. Computer proficiency in Microsoft applications. Demonstrated ability in developing protocols and related documentation. Must have own transportation, valid Texas driver’s license, and current insurance. Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of child development, parenting skills, and dynamics of family relationships. Working knowledge of Texas law pertaining to family violence, as well as the justice system response to domestic violence. Highly developed interpersonal skills. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills. Deliver presentations before public groups. Knowledge of working with volunteers, developing and organizing systems and people. Ability to develop positive relationships with individuals in the community. Proficiency in basic computer applications. Excellent follow-through and proven skills. Should be creative, articulate, and diplomatic. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Strong self-starter who feels comfortable taking the initiative in problem solving in order to meet the needs of clients Willingness to work flexible and irregular hours during peak periods. Special Qualifications: The ability to speak and write in Spanish. This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the only duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for this job. Incumbent may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related work. It is understood that during peak/critical times, staff may be asked to perform other duties not specifically outlined in their job description. Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $14.50 per hour Benefits: Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Schedule: Monday to Friday Education: Bachelor's (Preferred) Language: Spanish (Required) License/Certification: Driver's License (Required) Work Location: In person