Crisis Response Advocate

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing crisis response services to victims of sexual violence. This role is primarily responsible for answering incoming hotline calls and may be required for accompaniment to forensic exams (SANE) at the hospital. Services also include assistance in coordination of emergency shelter, emotional support, providing education on victims' rights, safety planning, assistance with reporting options, referrals to community resources, and coordination of Signs of HOPE services, such as individual counseling and support group.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Core duties and responsibilities during scheduled hours include the following:

• Assistance with overall crisis response to victims of sexual assault by phone and/or those that may walk in the main office.
• Responsible for providing hospital and/or area command accompaniment to victims of sexual assault.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of victims' rights, confidentiality standards, SANE procedure, and criminal justice/ civil justice process.
• Regular communication with other Signs of HOPE staff, victims and family members for intake, review of services available, update on progress of case, changes in status, and answering questions regarding process of cases.
• Develop and build awareness and knowledge of community agencies and resources to enable referral of victims to assure client needs are met while going through a traumatic situation.
• Collect data on services provided, client demographics, and other information for grant reporting and responsible for data entry into our hotline management database.
• Provide coverage assistance on the hotline, admin backup in rotation and / or when volunteers and / or staff are unable to cover.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No direct reports.

COMPETENCIES:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Intellectual

• Analytical -Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
• Problem Solving -Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Knowledge of poly victimization issues, dynamics of grooming and abuse/power dynamics.

Interpersonal

• Client and Customer Service -Manages difficult or emotional client and customer situations; Responds promptly to needs of clients, advocates, and other staff;
  Completes follow-ups with clients after hospital accompaniment in a timely manner.
• Interpersonal Skills -Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains
  confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral and Written Communication -Able to communicate and understand written materials fluently in English; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings. Is an excellent spokesperson and representative for the organization to the community; Asks supervisors and/or other approved subject matter experts for assistance when necessary; Puts out excellent and error free written work product; Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Communicates clearly with advocates to assure optimum service and responsiveness to clients; Gives and welcomes feed back.

Self-Management

• Planning/Organizing -Uses time efficiently; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism -Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under
  pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality -Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Dependability - Consistently responds to calls immediately and responds to the hospital in a timely manner; Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Innovation - Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' interest.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, and will have to complete prescribed training programs with Signs of HOPE Advocate University and additional training as identified. Must maintain and have available an active working phone and reliable transportation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred, with strong written communication skills in English.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience strongly preferred. All advocates must complete a full 50-hour advocate training and participate in continuing education activities a minimum of 3 times per year. Must maintain compliance with UMC requirements and remain active and updated with the Human Resources Department at UMC.

COMPENSATION:
$20.50 to $21.50 per hour based on education and/or experience. (*25 hours/week-dayshift)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to wall,, stand, and sit; reach with hands/arms and talk/hear.

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. The noise level and lighting in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $21 - $22