Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center•Santa Cruz, CA

10d•$23 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence position is part of the Advocacy & Prevention Department which includes the Services for Children & Youth and Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence programs. Under the supervision of the director of Advocacy and Prevention, the Advocate aids in the implementation of Domestic Violence Services programming including but not limited to: 24-hour hotline, individual peer counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, emergency interim accommodations & transportation, community education, youth violence prevention workshops, and counseling for children of survivors/child survivors.

Requirements

Effectively utilize a strength-based, trauma informed approach to provide crisis intervention support, peer counseling, information, and referrals to promote the physical, emotional, and behavioral safety of participants to address both their immediate and on-going needs and goals
Capacities to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast paced and ever changing environment with minimal supervision
Ability to exercise sound judgment in independently assessing, prioritizing, and resolving complex issues with limited information or guidance.
A strong commitment to working with participants with multiple co-factors including: domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty, social oppression, houselessness, and additional factors such as the internalized effects of racism, sexism, homophobia and other marginalizing issues.
Knowledge of issues facing multicultural and multilingual communities
General knowledge about domestic violence and Santa Cruz County community resources
Knowledge of DVRO process and how to accurately complete paperwork in order to assist participants in preparing DVRO paperwork as part of a safety plan
Understanding of criminal and civil legal processes and procedures in order to support participants with court prep for custody and child support hearings
Create and maintain participant files including entering data into centralized system on monthly basis.
Ability to maintain a helpful, proactive, non-judgmental and friendly attitude that strengthens the participant/advocate relationship
Must have a current class C driver’s license and be comfortable with driving agency vehicles regularly and providing transportation for program participants. Presentation of current driver’s license and proof of insurance is required upon hire and throughout employment.
40-hour state certified Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence
Experience working with Survivors of Domestic Violence.
Competent computer skills including basic Microsoft Office knowledge
Commitment to attend staff and department meetings
Ability to professionally represent the agency through appropriate demeanor and attire
Capable of working collaboratively and independently
Maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries with participants
Desire to self-reflect and evaluate personal beliefs, biases, values, attitudes and actions
Maintain and practice a comprehensive self-care routine
Maintain flexibility regarding job roles and duties
Ability to apply the strength-based model to support volunteers and co-workers
Ability to manage volunteers including creating a welcoming environment, setting clear expectations, having healthy boundaries and addressing performance issues
Capacity to assess, prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast paced and ever changing environment with minimal supervision
Fluent and articulate writing abilities
Commitment to maintain a mutually respectful & supportive work environment that values and empowers team members to collectively accomplish program goals
Demonstrates through observable behavior, an understanding of the agency’s mission and values.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English proficiency preferred
Ability to translate program and agency materials into Spanish (for bilingual staff).
Comfortable in public speaking and/or presenting

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention support and legal advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, and their children through the implementation of the 14 standards outlined by the California Emergency Services (CalOES) grant.
In rotation with other staff, assess in person and over the phone participant needs during their scheduled weekly drop-in hours.
Provide direct service and support to survivors of domestic violence in person and over the phone.
Implement and fulfill appropriate requirements of all funding sources.
Improve the emotional, physical, and economic well-being of all survivors of domestic violence including their children in Santa Cruz County utilizing a strength-based approach of education, skill building, and support.
Increase awareness and education about domestic violence within Santa Cruz County thereby improving our community response to family violence.
Assist with program accountability, data collection and evaluation.
Support domestic violence services program development and growth.
Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, participants, coworkers, supervisors, stakeholders, and the public.
Special projects and other duties as assigned.