Domestic Violence Advocate

Mission: Helping survivors of domestic violence heal and thrive in safe and supportive communities.Job Title: Domestic Violence AdvocateEssential Employee: The person in this role is considered an essential employee and may be required towork on-site during a government declared state of emergency.Hours: Full-time, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. Evening and weekend work when necessary. This position ishybrid-eligible and flexibility is required to attend to urgencies and emergencies as necessary. Hybrid-eligible is defined by organizational policy.Reports to: Director of Intervention and AdvocacyPrimary Objective: Provide comprehensive case management, emotional support and advocacy servicesto survivors of domestic violence, within an agency framework that is trauma-informed, strength-based,relational, and empowering. The Domestic Violence Advocate can expect to serve a caseload ofsurvivors who hold racially- and culturally-diverse identities. The advocate will also plan and facilitategroups, coordinate services with community providers and identify resources needed to meet thecomplex needs of survivors and their families.Reporting to the Director of Intervention and Advocacy, the Domestic Violence Advocate supportssurvivors of domestic violence living in the community, contributes to planning, implementation andevaluation of programs, and is responsible for other activities as assigned.Primary duties include but are not limited to:• Provide advocacy, case management, safety planning, psycho-education, referrals, and supportservices to clients;• Provide ongoing emotional and practical support to survivors within a trauma-informedframework;• Advocate on behalf of survivors with healthcare providers, housing/landlords, courts, legalsystem, school systems, and other systems or agencies depending on their needs;• Plan, lead, and co-facilitate psycho-educational and mutual aid support groups for survivors;• Coach and support survivors in gaining the skills they need to meet their own, self-defined goals.• Accompany survivors to appointments, legal/court hearings, and to other communityengagements when requested to support safety planning and to advocate for their needs.Additional responsibilities include:• Attend and actively participate in weekly team meetings and agency-wide staff meetings;• Represent TSS at community events and forums;• Assist other advocates and directors in planning, coordinating, and running survivor-centeredevents;• Work with other TSS staff to assess and address survivors' needs/concerns;• Participate in outreach and awareness efforts;• Attend meetings or appointments that will assist in providing quality advocacy to survivors;• Maintain accurate and timely records in database;• Other duties as assigned.Systems Advocacy Responsibilities• Develop and maintain relationships with housing authorities, DTA and DCF offices, employmentagencies, medical, immigration, legal, substance use disorder and other community resources.• Stay informed about changes in availability and eligibility requirements for housing subsidies,welfare, and other benefits.• Inform other programs and institutions about domestic violence and our programs.Administrative/Supervisory Responsibilities• Participate in volunteer/intern training and supervision as requested.• Maintain records including service delivery, advocacy plans and other documentation inaccordance with confidentiality guidelines.• Attend and participate in trainings, agency events, team meetings and staff meetings.Qualifications:At least 2 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or families experiencinghomelessness and individuals in residential and/or community-based programs. Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and issues related to domestic violence, complex trauma, mental health, andaddiction - with a particular emphasis on how these issues impact families - is essential. Knowledge ofissues related to child development and parenting is also valuable. We consider and highly valuerelevant life experience and employment background.Additional qualifications include:• Demonstrated experience in the field of domestic violence and/or trauma is required.• Lived experience highly valued. Master's degree preferred.• Strong advocacy, assessment and intervention skills desired.• Strong crisis management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.• Demonstrated ability to learn and master new skills and materials.• Ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously and precisely.• Knowledge/experience with systems, including legal, courts, child protection services, and publichousing.• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work calmly under pressure.• Cultural competence and cultural humility and/or willingness to learn. Committed to anti-racistpractices.• Collaborative team player.• Strong communication skills and proficiency with computers and technology.• Advanced language proficiency (Bi-lingual English/Spanish) preferred. Proficiency in otherlanguages such as Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Vietnamese is a plus.• Enthusiasm about working collaboratively and effectively in an environment that is linguisticallyand culturally diverse.• CORI (Criminal Offender Record Inquiry) check following the first interview• SORI (Sexual Offender Record Inquiry) check following the first interview• Ability to travel within Massachusetts; valid driver's license preferred.Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative ofthose that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentialfunctions. Employee is required to operate a computer and telephone. Employee may be required tohelp move small items up to 25 lbs.Salary and benefits: Salary for this position starts at $58,000, commensurate with experience;additional compensation for language skills, or other qualifications. Benefits include 3 weeks paidvacation, 13 paid holidays, 2 personal days, ample sick time, agency contribution to health and dentalinsurance, agency hosted 403(b) plan, and eligibility for agency-sponsored student loan assistanceprogram after 90 days of employment.Equal opportunity: The Second Step actively seeks cultural and linguistic diversity in all of its programs.The Second Step, Inc. is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. We are committed tocreating a diverse and inclusive workplace, free from discrimination. The Second Step does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy and parentingstatus), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or