Community Outreach Advocate

The Community Outreach Advocate is primarily involved in strengthening community relations on behalf of a non-profit agency that serves victims of domestic violence. The position includes regular collaboration with agency management and staff to develop and implement a community relations strategy. Implementation of this strategy will involve frequent contact with community partners and key individuals. Job duties may include media interviews, in-service trainings to promote agency programs, social media management, event planning, and general community education regarding domestic violence. The Community Outreach Advocate strives at all times to promote Rise’s dedication to providing trauma informed, survivor-centered services.

As a secondary responsibility, the Community Outreach Advocate acts as a case advocate, directly assisting victims/survivors of domestic violence. Direct service duties include providing detailed explanations of legal procedures to clients and assisting with the preparation of legal documents, maintaining relevant records, researching rights issues, and accompanying clients to hearings or other meetings with outside agencies, including but not limited to police, Child Protective Services, and other community partners. The percentage of time providing direct services is flexible, corresponding to the percentage of time needed to execute community outreach functions.

At all times, the Community Outreach Advocate strives to uphold the rights of domestic violence survivors, and embody the core Rise value of trauma informed, person-centered care.

III. Essential Functions

1. Serves as primary point of contact for outreach activities and events.

2. Delivers educational presentations addressing domestic violence and Rise services to community partners.

3. Develops a cohesive social media message, expanding on existing Rise branding to promote agency. Manages social media accounts with a goal of increasing social media footprint and engagement.

4. Develops and maintains positive relationships with key community partners to increase warm handoffs and client-based collaborations

5. Serves as a media liaison, conducting interviews with local news channels, as well as assisting in the development and execution of any press releases, media statements, etc.

6. Partners with Rise Board of Directors’ fundraising committee to develop, plan, and execute community events.

7. Assists in answering hotline calls and responding to referrals. Meets with victims of domestic violence to explain legal proceedings, including court and law enforcement procedures. Explains agency services and partners with clients to identify needs, plan for safety, and makes appropriate community service referrals.

8. Assists in the preparation and filing of family court petitions and law enforcement reports. Offers accompaniment to court proceedings, during which the advocate uses knowledge of legal procedures to support and prepare the client.

9. Assists with completion of applications for public assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance, Social Security, SNAP, HEAP, subsidized housing programs, daycare applications, etc., and assists through application process as appropriate.

10. Maintains accurate records and prepares written reports as requested. Keeps detailed case note records and maintains monthly direct service reports.

11. Attends workshops and conferences related to domestic violence and corresponding topics. Attends monthly mandatory staff meetings.

12. Assists with shelter coverage when schedule allows.

13. Performs other duties as deemed appropriate by the Executive Director.

IV. Ancillary Functions

1. May assist in training new advocacy staff.

2. May participate in media training/public relations training with other staff members.

V. QUALIFICATIONS

Education: This position requires either a two-year degree in Human Services, Paralegal Science, Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field, or the equivalent number of college credits in a closely related field.

Knowledge: This position requires the ability to develop working knowledge of the court and legal system in Broome County, as well as an understanding of the local social services available. An understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence is also required to relate to, support, and advocate for clients. Sensitivity and respect of cultural differences and a dedication to trauma informed, person centered care is required and expected. This position also requires knowledge of personal computer operations sufficient enough to be able to produce and format proper business correspondence.

Experience: To perform the duties of this position, a successful applicant should have one year of verifiable work experience in a human services agency, working directly with clients, or experience acting as a community representative. An equivalent of experience, education, or training that provides the following skills may be acceptable.

Skills/Aptitudes: The Community Outreach Advocate must be able to work with a diverse population of clients and community members from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds while being objective, welcoming, non-judgmental, compassionate, trauma informed and empathetic, while maintaining excellent workplace boundaries.

Other qualities essential to the performance of this position’s duties are the ability to work under limited supervision, to exercise good judgement, organize and prioritize tasks, accurately report activities while off site, and to maintain good working relationships with other employees, clients, and community agencies. The advocate must at all times maintain confidential information, such as matters relating to client information, the shelter location, and agency business.

The advocate must also be able to participate in panel discussions, communicate clearly and effectively, and be able to write reports and business letters using proper grammar, punctuation, spelling and parts of speech.

Physical Requirements: The position requires the ability to easily communicate with clients, staff and others outside agencies. There is limited physical activity aside from climbing stairs, moving from the office to the car and into and out of agency locations and periodically lifting up to 15lbs when carrying office supplies or reference materials. The position’s workstation at Rise is on the second floor. Climbing stairs is a regular part of the work activities. Normal duties of the position require the ability to operate a car safely and to move about with a minimum of difficulty in order to visit agencies and courts.

Additional Qualifications: Must be able to obtain and keep a valid New York State driver’s license as well as safely operate a motor vehicle. Must meet health and safety requirements established by the New York State Department of Social Services.

Working Conditions: The working environment is in a large three story building. The duties of the job require frequent trips outside the office to visit courts and agencies. The advocate may also frequently spend time at the shelter, which is also a large, three story building. Both buildings are clean, air- conditioned and well heated. There is no significant noise level. There is no significant exposure to fumes, dust or other air borne irritants. Temperature is comfortable inside but exposure to cold is occasional in winter when traveling in the performance of the duties of the position. There is no significant exposure to environment hazards, dangerous machinery or electrical shock other than that encountered in traveling by motor vehicle.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18