Victim Advocate

Victim Advocate
YWCA Great Falls

Job Description

POSITION: MERCY HOME SHELTER PROGRAM VICTIM ADVOCATE

Job Summary: The person in this position interacts with women and their children at the Shelter as part of the YWCA Mercy Home Shelter Program, which works toward breaking the cycle of violence. Performance of duties reflects the YWCA’s value that all people will be treated with respect and dignity and approached with recognition of their individual importance. Furthermore, this person wholeheartedly commits to protecting Shelter Program Client’s confidentiality as established by Montana State Advocate Privilege Statute MCA-26-1-812.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Direct Services:

• Nurtures, guides, supports and mentors women and their children in the shelter, kindly attending to their bodies, minds, and spirits.
• Answers telephone (crisis) calls promptly or returns calls as soon as possible.
• Schedules client Point of Contact interviews for Crisis Callers and Walk-ins to determine where client’s needs are best served – shelter entrance, other YWCA program or resource provider referral, based on each clients unique needs and situation.
• Works with YWCA Team to meet the individual needs of families residing at the shelter; works with Case Managers, and when appropriate to apply conflict management techniques to situations when client conflict occurs.
• Coordinates with other area agencies to provide services for women and children in the shelter.
• Provides guidance and support to the volunteer advocate and children advocate staff.
• Maintains written client files.
• Provides crisis support as needed at the shelter and at the YWCA.
• Acts as a positive role model for women and their children in shelter: is flexible, compassionate and direct; addresses violent language and behavior by providing positive alternatives.

Coordination:Uses proper systems for gathering statistics when working with clients during Personal Contact interviews, daily service counts, and departure packages while on shift at the shelter and responding to crisis calls.

• In general, demonstrates energy and enthusiasm for work.
• Monitors adequate supply levels for Shelter Program.

General:

• Represents the YWCA in the community, including participation at YWCA public relations events, when appropriate.
• Advocates for women and their children in the shelter in their interactions with the community and with resource providers, when appropriate.
• Attends staff meetings.
• Alerts Shelter Coordinator and others as appropriate, to areas of concern.
• Reports incidents of child abuse in the manner outlined in Mercy Home Shelter Program Policies & Procedures.
• Adheres to YWCA policies and guidelines.
• Acts as a responsible team member.
• Projects a positive image of the YWCA, using effective public relations skills.
• Exhibits friendliness toward and consideration of clients, employees, volunteers and the general public.
• In general, demonstrates energy and enthusiasm for her/his work.
• Shows competence as an information source about the YWCA and YWCA programs and services.
• Displays an awareness of and ability to deal with diversity among people, including disabilities among clients.
• Displays a neat appearance and competent manner.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field, or equivalent education/experience required.
• Preferable three years experience working with domestic violence and/or sexual assault required.
• Current Montana driver’s license and proof of auto insurance in compliance with Montana state law.
• Must pass a background check designed to protect the interest of women and children served by the YWCA programs.
• Love for women and children and zeal for their welfare.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• An understanding of domestic and sexual violence issues, particularly in relation to the effects on women and children.
• Understanding of the social and political complexities of sexual and domestic violence.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to respond appropriately to crisis situations.
• Ability to be assertive and apply conflict management techniques.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with other staff, agencies and professionals in the community.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals, including adult and child clients, peers, supervisors.
• Willingness to take responsibility for his/her part in communication breakdowns and to work toward resolution of resulting problems.
• Ability to successfully offer, accept and act on constructive criticism.
• An interest in and respectful attitude toward all people.
• Ability to understand and work with complex situations.
• Ability to use a computer for word processing purposes.
• Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills.
• Good work habits, including ability to organize and manage time and information.
• Knowledge of youth violence prevention.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

• Directly accountable to the Shelter Coordinator.
• Works closely with YWCA department staff other shelter staff.
• Has daily contact with employees, and adult and child clients.
• Has occasional contact with the YWCA board of directors.

LEVEL OF INDEPENDENT DISCRETION, CONSEQUENCE OF ACTIONS: This person, within the parameters of YWCA policies and procedures, exercises a high level of independence in decision making. Significant errors in judgment may endanger the health and safety of the clients and/or staff and may cause serious financial and/or legal repercussions for the YWCA.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Physical effort may be required to do the following: sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching; playing with and lifting children up to 50 pounds; transporting groceries and supplies. Exposure to difficult situations, emotionally taxing client circumstances and physical aggression may be encountered. Must be able to operate basic office machines, and communicate by telephone, orally, and in writing.

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Employee’s Signature Date

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Employee’s Name (please print)

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 32 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evening shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16