Victim Services Advocate II/ III

JOB TITLE: ADVOCATE II / III

DEPARTMENT: Victim Services

REPORT TO: Victim Services Coordinator

SUPERVISE: N/A

COMPENSATION: Range 20.0 / 21.0

FLSA: Full-time; Non-Exempt

JOB OVERVIEW: This position is responsible for providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy to victims/survivors of Madera County.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, core competencies, and/or physical required. Completion of the Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Counselor training per Evidence Code 1035.2-1035.4 and 1037.1 may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

ADVOCATE III / Victim Services

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology, Victimology, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field.
• Three years’ experience in social services case management preferred.

ADVOCATE II / Victim Services

• Associate’s Degree in Criminology, Victimology, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related field.
• Two years’ experience in social services case management preferred.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with individuals and groups; public, private and governmental agencies, particularly criminal justice agencies.
• Communicate and deal effectively with individuals and groups in stressful situations.
• Work effectively under conditions of limited supervision, high stress, and rapidly changing situations and circumstances.
• Read, speak, and write Spanish is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Skills in crisis intervention and counseling techniques.
• Effectively communicates with various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Criminal justice system, family law court, and community resources.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Customer Commitment – proactively seek to understand the needs of our customers and provide the highest standards of services.
• Dedication to Professionalism and Integrity – demonstrates and promotes fair, honest, professional and ethical behaviors that establishes trust throughout the organization and with the communities we serve.
• Organizational Excellence – takes ownership for excellence through one’s personal effectiveness and dedication to the continuous improvement of our programs and services.
• Success through Teamwork – collaborates and builds partnerships through trust and the open exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives to achieve organizational goals.

GENERAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Exerting up to 15 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Able to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), California Family Rights Act (CFRA) and other federal, state and local standards.
• Able to perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, CFRA and other federal, state and local standards.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEADERSHIP

• Adheres to and applies the CAPMC mission, values, standards, policies and procedures.
• Attends mandatory new employee orientation/ mentor activities.
• Attends trainings, workshops, and classes to keep abreast of client engagement theories and practices.
• Engages and encourages personal and professional development.
• Ensures services are provided to all clients in a manner consistent with CAPMC mission, standards, values and grant requirements.
• Identifies and resolves concerns and issues.
• Interacts with clients and their families in a culturally and socially sensitive way.
• Keeps apprised of developments and trends in the program’s operation and be attentive to the changing or growing needs of the community.
• Keeps informed of current theories and practices in the field.
• Keeps informed of program terms, conditions, and eligibility changes.
• Maintains and ensures that staff and volunteers maintain the confidentiality of staff, parent, child, client, community, and agency information included in files, conversations, meetings, correspondence, or any other source.
• Makes recommendations for replacement, purchase, or repair of equipment.
• Models professionalism for parents, children, clients, community, co-workers, and volunteers.
• Prepares and actively participates in staff meetings and committees.
• Promotes a team environment and teamwork.
• Reports and assists in reporting suspected child abuse in accordance with CAPMC child abuse reporting procedures.
• Represents CAPMC in the community in a professional and competent manner.
• Responsible for setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Shares information and knowledge with appropriate staff members.
• Works as a team member to support the functions and operations of the Department and the Agency.

CRISIS INTERVENTION:

• Responds empathetically to victims of crime to reduce levels of trauma and provide support.
• Participates in 24-hour crisis response assistance on a rotational basis.
• Shelters, or makes shelter referrals, for appropriate clients.
• Assists client in obtaining emergency food & clothing.
• Provides transportation when necessary and safe.
• Provides short-term peer counseling to victims and witnesses of crime.
• Provide accompaniment services to victims to law enforcement, medical, legal proceedings, and other appointments as deemed necessary.
• Responsible for referring individuals to appropriate community resources for additional assistance and counseling.

CASE MANAGEMENT:

• Makes follow-up contact with victims within 72 hours, or next business day.
• Conducts safety plans with clients.
• Provides case management to track client’s progress.
• Serves as a liaison between the client and other resources.
• Advocates for household assistance to prevent homelessness.
• Provides court support, i.e. provides general information regarding the criminal justice system, acts as court escorts and provides information on the status of the client’s case.
• Mentors clients to self-independence.
• Assists with the completion of restraining orders (case by case).
• Assistance in completing an application for the Victims Compensation Program.
• Provide assistance/translation of Victim Impact Statements.
• Assistance with U and T visa.

DOCUMENTATION/RECORD KEEPING:

• Creates client file and inputs services in VS Tracking.
• Maintains records and statistical data reports, where applicable.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND TRAINING:

• Provides presentations and training to community agencies, staff and volunteers.
• Promotes the use of our crisis hotline to community partners.
• Conduct outreach.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), which prohibits discriminatory actions toward any qualified individuals. In particular, children with disabilities are enrolled in the classroom as mandated by federal and state laws.
• Ensures strict compliance with universal precautions during work-related visits or when administering first aid.
• Other duties as assigned within scope of job classification.

LIMITS OF AUTHORITY

• Relative authority to maintain compliance with federal, state, and local laws as well as the Agency’s policies and procedures.
• Relative authority to maintain compliance with program standards and the requirements of funding guidelines.
• Maintains close communication with the immediate supervisor to recommend a course of action and to receive directives on priorities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to relate with all people of the community regardless of sexual, ethnic, racial, or religious background or socio-economic level.
• Must be dedicated to the goals and philosophy of CAPMC and Department.
• Must possess emotional maturity, stability, tactfulness, and the ability to provide professional leadership.
• Must have dependable insured transportation and a valid California Driver’s License and acceptable driving record. A DMV printout and proof of insurance will be required. Mileage may be reimbursed subjected to CAPMC’s policy.
• Must complete all background requirements: references, sex offender registry check, livescan checks, a pre-employment health and drug screen, acknowledgement of child abuse reporting responsibility, criminal record statement, and receive satisfactory clearance from all licensing and investigative authorities. Employment is contingent upon receiving clearances from appropriate authorities.
• Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one’s duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices; and act in such a manner as to ensure at all times maximum safety to one’s self, fellow employees, clients, and children.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside.
• The worker may be exposed to infectious diseases.

To build a diverse workforce, CAPMC encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. EEO/AA Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.12 - $27.04 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Case management: 2 years (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Oakhurst, CA 93644: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $27