Advocate

Cornerstone of Hope, Inc. (COH) provides administrative and staffing services to agencies in the Western Kentucky Region. As such, COH has an Advocate position available to be assigned to work at the Merryman House located in Paducah, KY.

EXPERIENCE

Job Summary:

Under the guidance of the Merryman House Director of Advocacy & Resiliency, this position is responsible, primarily, for the restorative aspects of the organization’s mission. Advocates work to empower and educate survivors of intimate partner violence so that they may achieve violence-free living in their lives. Advocates are responsible for providing direct client services under the direction of the Advocacy & Resiliency Coordinator and the Director of Advocacy & Resiliency.

1. Required Skills/Abilities

• Ability to work under highly stressful, crisis-oriented situations;
• Strong ability to interface with community partners and other crisis response systems (e.g., police, court personnel, DCBS, hospital personnel, etc.) in a manner that is in the client's best interest;
• Extensive knowledge of domestic violence related issues;
• Computer skills: Microsoft,
• Client management software ;
• Kronos;
• JobRouter;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Creative and innovative problem solving and conflict resolution skills;

2. Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services, or other related field

3. Preferred Experience

• Two year experience in Case Management preferred
• Knowledge of Domestic Violence and or experience with Non-profit organizations preferred
• Experience with Court/ Legal Advocacy preferred
• Vast knowledge of Community Resources preferred

JOB SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the Merryman House Director of Advocacy and Resiliency, this position is responsible, primarily, for the restorative aspects of the organization's mission. Advocates work to empower and educate survivors of intimate partner violence so that they may achieve violence-free living in their lives. Advocates are responsible for providing direct client services under the direction of the Advocacy & Resiliency Coordinator and the Director of Advocacy & Resiliency.

JOB DUTIES
1. Professionalism

• Professional level oral and written communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to interact with community partners effectively to achieve the best outcome for clients;
• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain highest level of professionalism and confidentiality;
• Understands and models trauma-informed care, commitment to diversity, and fosters a positive organizational culture;
• Understands and supports the agency visio n and mission in word and deed;
• Provides adequate notice when time-off is requested;

2 Initiative

• Maintains an open and direct line of communication essential to successful implementation of program services;
• Actively engages with other program staff to ensure meaningful access to all clients (e.g., Limited English Proficiency, federally under-served, etc.);
• Stays abreast of best practices and trends involving domestic violence, its effects and effective interventions;
• Implements trauma-informed approaches when working with clients at all levels;
• Supports Department Leadership to develop protocols that are tailored to the unique needs of outlying communities;
• Provides services to the eight-county Purchase Region as required;
• Assists other departments as needed, specifically the Department of Crisis and Emergency Services as required;
• Participates in and assists with fundraising as required;

3. Timeliness

• Reports needs and/or barriers in a timely manner to supervisors so that service delivery is not hindered;
• Meets with clients regularly, and in a frequency consistent with the Tier System;
• Responds to clients assigned to his/her case load in a timely manner;
• Attends client appointments, court hearings and all meetings on time, and prepared;
• Conducts follow-up services timely and in accordance with agency policy;
• Completes all documentation in a thorough, accurate, and professional manner;
• Submits data and requested information by the deadlines given so as to assist Department supervisors in accurate, timely reporting;

4. Knowledgeable

• Conducts intakes and Exits in accordance with agency policy and expectations; Demonstrates understanding of the agency's Tier System through appropriate case-management activities consistent with client's tier level;
• Facilitates effective, efficient case management Engages clients in safety planning, risk/protective factor assessments, and effective goal-setting; Models and suggests healthy coping skills to clients as a means of education and support;
• Provides education to clients on the dynamics of domestic violence (e.g., Power & Control Wheel) and the comprehensive, holistic services offered by the MHDCC.
• Understands court processes and how to function effectively in that system with clients;
• Assists with protective orders as needed in collaboration with Victim's Advocate and or County Attorney;
• Attends training as requested to maintain high-level of expertise and quality services;
• Identifies potential and actual barriers to victims’ services and community initiatives, and works to offer tangible solutions to clients, supervisors and community partners;
• Demonstrates familiarity of community resources;

5. Integrity

• Maintains personal integrity and behaves in an ethical manner;
• Attends case management meetings regularly, and is intentional in preparing cases for review;
• Requests and attends Reflective Supervision sessions in collaboration with the Staff Psychologist;
• Regularly attends Department meetings;
• Ensures Time and Activity reports accurately reflect time spent and services provided;
• Tends to personal mental and physical health needs so that clients are served well; Maintains healthy and ethical boundaries with all clients at all times;
• Completes client documentation thoroughly, accurately and in accordance with agency policy;

6. Productivitiy and Quality of Work

• Provides court coverage in all counties as assigned; Facilitates client groups as requested;
• Serves as a MHDCC representative to community meetings, task forces, etc.. as requested;
• Completes monthly training plan by deadlines assigned, and fulfills annual continuing education unit requirements;
• Maintains all client records accurately and regularly so that reports to Senior Management, Board Members, donors and funders accurately reflect the services provided and needs to the clients and community;
• Facilitates client sessions consistent with agency standards;

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Case Management: 2 years (Preferred)
• Knowledge of Domestic Violence: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person