Domestic Violence Advocate

This position will work in conjunction with the Family Justice Center (FJC) as part of the HOPE of WNY Collaboration and will implement direct services to survivors of domestic violence who have or are suspected of having I/DD. This includes providing crisis intervention, counseling, and safety planning, advocacy, accompaniment, casework/care coordination, benefits advisement, referral and peer support group facilitation. Provides intensive, sustained advocacy, counseling and casework services for survivors with I/DD who require extended support in leaving abusive homes and in starting their journeys towards (re)discovering, safety, stability and empowerment.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Domestic Violence Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator in leading the proposed HOPE of WNY Advocacy team.
• Supports the Domestic Violence Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator in delivering outreach and preventive education services in the community, as well as facilitating peer support groups.
• Supports the FJC staff in assessing survivors with disabilities and linking these survivors to FJC onsite resources.
• Engages with on-site and on call partners at FJC facilities as appropriate, including law enforcement, courts, justice system representatives, attorneys, forensic nurses, health care providers and shelter/housing providers.
• Accompanies survivors to appointments, court proceedings, medical exams, etc. in order to provide needed supports and advocacy. Assists with transportation as needed.
• Provides immediate intervention and assistance to those experiencing a domestic violence crisis.
• Conducts safety planning that takes into consideration the adaptive needs of those with I/DD.
• Administers screening assessments services to identify the strengths, preferences and adaptive support needs of the survivors being supported.
• Provides intensive advocacy and care coordination services to help survivors with I/DD achieve short-term safety and create action plans for long-term stability/empowerment.
• Develops and implements intensive case management plans that advance specific, measurable, survivor-defined goals for safety and empowerment, reflect individuals’ identified strengths, hopes, culture and address assessed adaptive support needs.
• Assist survivors in navigating the criminal justice system by:
  • Communicating information on the rights of victims forholding the abuser accountable, including participating in justice events (arrests, proceedings, etc.
  • Accompanies survivors during interviews with law enforcement/forensic exams
  • Enabling survivors to know their potential roles in proceedings
  • Helping survivors offer input on decisions regarding charges and sentencing
  • Assisting survivors to participate in hearings/trials
  • Helping survivors request orders of protection.
• Refers to other domestic violence and/or victims services as deemed appropriate.
• Assists in obtaining needed documentation to support a disability, as well as eligibility for benefits, entitlements, and/or Medicaid services.
• Refers to Case Management services offered within the agency that can assist individuals in obtaining the necessary documentation to support a disability, as well as eligibility for other services and benefits.
• Assist survivors in using the necessary technology in a safe, confidential manner to attend appearances and appointments virtually when necessary
• Maintains accurate records of contact with survivors and completes all records thoroughly.
• Documents all advocacy activities contemporaneously.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services, Social Work, or related field and one year experience in casework services.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of housing provider system and mental health, substance abuse and social service systems.
• Awareness of domestic violence, dating violence and trauma.
• Ability to work with domestic violence survivors and their children in crisis situations.
• Good oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills. Experience using case management systems.
• Ability to read and write case notes as well as understand written directions.
• Ability to organize, plan, and manage case load with flexibility, dependability, discretion, and independent judgement.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Exercising independent judgment, concentrating, thinking, communicating, interacting with others, managing multiple tasks and coping with stressful situations and deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Will work in office environment with at either a Community Services for Every1 or Family Justice Center offices.
• May need to work outside of typical business hours to accommodate appointments and/or a person’s needs.
• Frequent local travel required. Mileage reimbursement available

Community Services for Every1 has supported the people of our community for over 30 years. Those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and those who are simply in need. Every day, our efforts support over 2,000 individuals of all abilities, across counties. We are here for Western New Yorkers – all of them.

Helping those in need takes very special people. And those people are the lifeblood of Community Services for Every1. They’re employees who thrive on helping and who have a passion for connecting. Who can form lifelong bonds with the people they support and make the biggest difference in the lives of fellow Western New Yorkers.

Just as we empower those we serve, we strive to empower each other. We support our colleagues through challenges and we collaborate to find the best solutions – and we work hard to help each other grow. Community Services for Every1 offers competitive starting pay based on directly related experience, generous time off, excellent benefits plans and an opportunity to grow!