Advocacy Specialist
About The Position
The Advocacy Specialist role involves providing direct client services to victims of domestic and sexual violence. This position requires working with clients to assess safety, develop safety plans, and assist with essential needs during crisis periods. The specialist will offer individual support, accompany clients to legal and medical appointments, and help them work towards self-sufficiency. A key aspect of the role is providing information and assistance related to the criminal justice system, including court procedures and protection orders. The position also involves assisting clients with housing options and advocating on their behalf with landlords. Additionally, the role requires maintaining accurate client records, making appropriate referrals to related agencies, and distributing client surveys. The specialist will also be responsible for other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a human services field is required.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Must 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 is preferred.
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
Benefits
- Generous leave package including annual leave, sick leave and personal days
- 11 paid holidays
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement for travel
- 403(b) with employer match
- Potential eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
