What are the responsibilities and job description for the Advocate Coordinator position at Tuscaloosa SAFE Center?
The primary purpose of the Advocate Coordinator is to provide direct services to survivors of sexual violence through our advocacy and support services. The Advocate Coordinator directly oversees the growth, development, and operation of the Tuscaloosa SAFE Center Advocacy Program. May also assist survivors and provide emotional support through the process of post-assault care, including but not limited to SANE exams, counseling, referrals, and legal advocacy.
The Advocate Coordinator will work under the general direction of and is accountable to the Program Director and Staff Therapist. They will work closely with SANE Nurses, the Outreach Coordinator, and the Clinical Coordinator. Will work to carry out all delegated responsibilities within the framework of the grant program, integrated goals and objectives, and Alabama Coalition Against Rape (ACAR) standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Social work, Counseling, or related field. Bachelor’s degree with supervisory experience preferred.
- Demonstrates ability to provide a high level of sensitivity and understanding of the needs of sexual assault victims and the professionals who work with victims.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment when evaluating situations and making independent decisions in crisis situations. Must demonstrate excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal relationship skills.
- Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Demonstrated the desire to help others through advocacy
- Valid Alabama’s Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, and automobile insurance (required by law).
- Must be able to work flexible schedules and be available for calls as needed.
- Must be self-motivated, self-directed, and able to practice independently.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Must demonstrate positive interpersonal communication skills. Must demonstrate ability to interact with multidisciplinary teams, communicate program needs, and work with peers to establish smooth functioning.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide services to survivors of sexual assault consistent with ACAR, IAFN, and agency standards.
- Ensure quality service is provided to victims of sexual violence in the nine-county West Alabama Region.
- Works cooperatively with the Program Director, staff Therapist, Outreach Coordinator, and Clinical Coordinator in making decisions concerning the growth and expansion of program services. Follow through on implementing these plans within the time frame established.
- Supervise the TSC on-call advocates and volunteers on an ongoing basis.
- Provide professional training to advocates and volunteers on sexual assault services and other related topics in program services.
- Assist in providing sexual assault prevention/education programs to the general public in the program’s services area.
- Ensure follow-up services to all survivors seen in medical advocacy to include phone and mail attempts to reiterate TSC sexual Assault Services, assess needs, and provide appropriate referrals.
- Participates in crisis intervention and immediate counseling specific to healing from sexual assault for primary and secondary victims.
- Provide referrals for counseling, legal advocacy, and case management for Tuscaloosa SAFE Center to ensure wrap-around services when needed.
- Maintain a case file on each client served to include documentation of contacts and services offered/ delivered.
- Develop and maintain referrals to assist clients with obtaining services to help meet other social and personal needs.
- Assist in the planning and implementation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, which may include press releases, PSA’s, and printed materials
- Assist the Outreach Coordinator in volunteer recruitment throughout the year through the use of flyers and media outlets.
- Assist Outreach Coordinator in the development, revision, and distribution of program material including displays, newsletters, brochures, volunteer training manual, and policy/ procedure manual.
- Assist Staff Therapist in the interview, screening, and orientation process of Tuscaloosa SAFE Center on-call advocates and volunteers.
- Complete monthly, quarterly, and year-end statistical reports as required by funding sources in a timely manner.
- May serve in on-call rotation as needed
- Must be able to respond to a crisis call within 60 minutes by greeting the patient at the facility and establishing a comfortable environment for the victim.
- Must obtain court advocacy training within 6 months of hire
- Administrates court advocacy training program
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Requires the physical mobility to sit and walk for moderate periods of time and to occasionally carry or lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Mileage reimbursement
Schedule:
- 12 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Nights as needed
- Weekends as needed
Ability to Commute:
- Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Tuscaloosa, AL 35404: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20