Community Advocate - domestic violence

Summary: Provide resources/referral/support to individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence. This includes assisting with safety planning, providing emotional support and goal planning. This position also acts as a liaison between 360 Communities advocacy services and other professionals and resources in the community. Position assigned to Hastings and surrounding area. FT at 40 hours per week, primarily day hours. Benefits include health insurance options, dental, vision, life insurance, employer matching retirement account and paid sick and safe time, vacation and flexible holidays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to the agency’s mission statement and core values at all times. The mission statement is “360 Communities delivers safety and stability that improves lives.”
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, information and referrals, and ongoing support and services as needed to domestic violence victims/survivors and their family members. This includes following up on referrals that come from a variety of sources, including information provided in police reports/calls we receive.
• Provide holistic advocacy services and resources including safety planning, child/adult education, community connections/resources, housing, financial, legal (excluding legal advice), building support networks, and other services/resources as apparent or identified in intakes.
• Coordinate with other community advocates and volunteers to provide support to victims during court hearings, and attend court hearings as needed
• Respond to hospital calls to provide support to victims/survivors during forensic exams.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with all community partners and provide training/education and feedback to improve response to victims. This includes informing the Community Advocacy Supervisor (SV) about issues and trends that can be addressed to the Coordinated Community Response Team (CCR) and other local workgroups.
• Follow up on referrals from the Community Educator to connect with individuals who disclose they need help during presentations or other community events.
• Collaborate with other program staff to represent 360 Communities at events and presentations; this may include tabling events or presenting to systems professionals, social service providers, faith communities, medical facilities, and other community partners to ensure effective victim centered response to domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
• Maintain accurate data for statistical purposes as well as narratives for service delivery provisions.
• Partner with other program staff regarding working with victims/survivors of domestic violence in order to provide holistic support and services.
• Participate in or offer feedback and/or ideas to various workgroups within the organization to help us continue moving in a forward direction with best practices for staff wellness, client services and other initiatives.
• Actively participate and attend staff meetings.
• Assist in shelter as needed or directed.
• Pursue training opportunities for ongoing professional development and to stay up to date on trends related to the work.
• Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as the need is apparent or as requested or delegated.

Education and/or Experience

• One to two years related experience working with victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, knowledge of legal advocacy for victims preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred, but experience in lieu of degree will be considered.
  Completion of 40-hour sexual assault training prior to employment is preferred, but will help obtain if needed