Advocacy Specialist

Community Violence Intervention Center•Grand Forks, ND

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advocacy Specialist will work with clients to assess safety on an ongoing basis and complete safety plans. They will assist clients in making necessary arrangements to provide safe housing, food, and other necessities to victims and minors during crisis periods. The role involves demonstrating empathetic listening skills while assisting clients in identifying options, establishing goals, and providing ongoing follow-up support to help clients maintain stability and progress towards their goals. The Specialist will accompany victims and provide appropriate support to report crimes, to legal proceedings, or to the hospital for medical examinations, and support clients in becoming self-sufficient. Additionally, the role includes providing victims with accurate information about the criminal justice system, assisting with protection orders and court papers, and accompanying victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to legal proceedings. The Specialist will also assist clients in the housing program with identifying and securing safe housing options and provide housing advocacy by communicating with landlords and property managers. They will be familiar with related agencies and services, provide clients with appropriate referral information, and maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all client demographics and contacts. The role also involves distributing and collecting surveys from clients and performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field is required.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Have access to personal transportation.
Willing to travel for client related activities, including transporting clients.
Upon hire, the candidate will complete training to earn certification from the North Dakota Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalition to provide direct client services.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or counseling.
North Dakota licensure.
At least one year of direct social service experience.

Responsibilities

Work with clients to assess safety on an ongoing basis and complete safety plans.
Assist clients in making necessary arrangements to provide safe housing, food, and other necessities to victims and minors during crisis periods.
Demonstrate empathetic listening skills while assisting clients in identifying options, establishing goals, and providing ongoing follow-up support to help clients maintain stability and progress towards their goals.
Accompany victims and provide appropriate support to report crimes, to legal proceedings, or to the hospital for medical examinations.
Provide support to clients in becoming self-sufficient.
Provide victims with accurate information about the criminal justice system such as court procedures and the process for filing protection orders.
Assist clients with the filing of affidavits for protection orders and other court papers as necessary.
Accompany victims of sexual assault and domestic violence to legal proceedings and provide appropriate support.
Assist clients participating in CVIC’s housing program with identifying and securing safe housing options.
Provide housing advocacy to clients by communicating and collaborating with landlords and property managers on client’s behalf.
Be familiar with related agencies and services and provide clients with appropriate referral information.
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely records of all client demographics and contacts with clients and other agencies, according to established procedures.
Distribute and collect surveys from clients that are seeking crisis and supportive services.
Other duties as assigned