First Response Advocate - St Clair County

TITLE: First Response Advocate

REPORTS TO: Director of First Response Advocacy

CLASSIFICATION: Part - Time, Non-Exempt

Organization Overview

Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Turning Point, Inc empowers domestic and sexual violence survivors through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. We offer emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy services, forensic nurse examiner program & first response advocacy services, 24-hour hotline, personal protection order and legal advocacy services, and community outreach.

Position Overview

The First Response Advocate works with Forensic Nurse Examiners in the First Response Advocacy program as well as within the Human Trafficking Department. Our specially trained advocates meet the immediate emotional needs of survivors, secondary survivors, and their loved ones. Our First Response Advocacy program provides 24/7 on-call coverage for both Macomb and St. Clair County at secure and confidential sites or within surrounding hospitals. Through strength-based, survivor-centered, and trauma-informed interventions the First Response Advocate provides support to adults and children that have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner strangulation, and human trafficking. The First Response Advocate will cross train with the Human Trafficking department to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances a Human Trafficking survivor needs through an empowerment and housing first model.

Principle Duties And Responsibilities

• Implement agency and program mission, vision, and anti-oppression /empowerment philosophies.
• Administer and implement agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, accurate record keeping and professional ethics.
• Maintain relationships with colleagues that promote mutual respect, improvement of services, and problem solving.
• Provide 24/7 support for survivor's immediate needs; survivor rights, impacts of trauma, safety planning, reporting options, supportive resources, referrals, and all other personal survivor needs.
• Provide advocacy and support by phone when needed.
• Serve as an advocate for survivor support systems or outside agencies including but not limited to law enforcement, medical professionals, social services, and legal systems.
• Provide follow-up support for human trafficking survivors or guardian's post exam.
• Ensure that survivors are effectively resourced with communications aids, Behavioral Health, and Substance Use support.
• Fulfill the weekly 24-hour on-call shifts.
• Collaborate with internal and external human trafficking service providers to educate, develop, and enhance trauma informed services
• Participate in trauma-informed and survivor-centered trainings to become a strong Human Trafficking advocate and support for survivors in need.
• Provide information about the criminal court processes, evidence gathering, reporting, victim rights, and the Personal Protection Order (PPO) process to survivors.
• Document all advocacy and services provided using the agency's database and collect required data for monthly reports and program evaluations per the Human Trafficking grant.
• Work in partnership with forensic nursing staff to ensure survivor-centered services.
• Establish, maintain, and provide community, civil, and criminal justice contacts as referrals for survivors
• Engage in professional and educational development pertaining to the role as an advocate.
• Assist in the planning and participation of agency awareness events.
• Assist in planning and overseeing peer support team meetings.
• Participate in staff, committee meetings, and other meetings deemed necessary / required by Turning Point.
• Adhere by agency policies, procedures, contracts, rules, and regulations.
• Must be able to flex schedule as needed for the program requirements.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the CEO, Program Coordinator, and / or Supervisor.
  
  

Qualifications

• Must have knowledge of survivor-centered, trauma informed, and advocacy-based interventions with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault that are rooted in empowerment and anti-oppression values.
• Possess the ability to work and communicate with diverse populations nonjudgmentally with dignity, empathy, and respect.
• A bachelor's degree in human services/social work, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communications skills.
• Exhibits strong organizational skills, professional behaviors, empathy, and boundaries.
• Ability to serve the needs of clients and the agency.
• Ability to work independently including overnight, weekends, and holidays.
• Must have reliable transportation, auto insurance, a valid Michigan Driver's License, and a good driving record; must successfully pass a criminal background check.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work independently and collaboratively with a team
• Must allow for flexibility in schedule, work location and job function.
• Must be able to drive to multiple sites.
• Ability and willingness to be available for non-scheduled emergency call-in when necessary.
• Ability to lift 20lbs.
• Ability to operate general office equipment.