What are the responsibilities and job description for the Domestic Violence Advocate position at Guadalupe Valley Family Violence Shelter, Inc.?
Job Summary
Thriving Hearts Crisis Center (THCC) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing shelter, support, and resources to individuals affected by domestic violence. Our mission is to engage the community to assist and empower survivors of abuse. At THCC we create a safe space for survivors, and work towards a world where domestic violence is eradicated. We are seeking a full time Domestic Violence Legal Advocate to provide comprehensive information, education, and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and other gender-based crimes. This role involves assisting clients with various legal matters, including protective orders, custody/divorce, immigration, evictions, and court procedures. The Domestic Violence Legal Advocate ensures survivors receive the necessary support and guidance throughout their legal journey, enhancing their safety and access to justice.
Duties
- Complete legal intakes to assess clients' needs, provide options, and develop individualized action plans being cautious and aware of re-traumatization.
- Address questions regarding protective orders, custody/divorce, immigration, evictions, and court procedures.
- Provide direct support including responding to hotline calls, crisis intervention, hospital and court accompaniment, advocacy, safety planning, information, and referrals.
- Deliver on-call services such as hospital response, crisis intervention, and emergency transportation as necessary to maintain 24-hour service availability.
- Assess client needs and assist in creating individualized self-sufficiency plans to achieve their goals.
- Adjust scheduling as needed to accommodate client needs effectively.
- Document all services provided promptly and in accordance with approved procedures.
- Answer hotline calls in a compassionate, and trauma informed way.
- Provide crisis management and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence.
- Facilitate access to community resources, including legal assistance, housing, and counseling services.
- Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions and case progress in compliance with confidentiality standards.
- Participate in training sessions focused on behavioral health, crisis intervention, and social work practices.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
- Self-motivated, self-confident, and results-oriented with high moral and ethical standards.
- Proficient in English, with Bilingual language skills preferred.
- Ability to remain calm under stress and manage various challenging situations with emotional and physical stamina.
- Knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and ability to respond to clients actively experiencing trauma without further traumatization.
- Capable of multi-tasking and responding to various forms of communication, including telephone, written correspondence, and visual stimuli.
- Comfortable with prolonged sitting or standing and proficient in using computers, telephones, cell phones, shredders, and fax machines.
- Possess a valid Texas driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record and reliable transportation for travel within the service area.
- Experience in victim services, crisis intervention, or related roles.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills, with proficiency in using data management systems (Osnium experience a plus).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a flexible schedule to meet project needs.
This position requires a compassionate individual dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Thriving Hearts Crisis Center is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- On call
- Weekends as needed
Language:
- Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Seguin, TX 78155 (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
- Seguin, TX 78155: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20