ERT Advocate II

The Young Women's Christian Association of Kalamazoo, Mich • Kalamazoo, MI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Emergency Response Services Advocate provides Emergency Response services and referrals to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The Emergency Response Services Advocate provides immediate in-person crisis intervention support to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and/or sexual assault on-site, at local agencies, in their homes, or a safe environment. Answers the crisis line and provides trauma-responsive support, safety optioning, information, and referrals to survivors. Provides empathetic support and describes accurate information and options in a culturally competent and trauma-responsive manner. Potentially participates in an on-call rotation in support of the 24/7 program. Informs and educates victims on Personal Protection Orders, Crime Victim Compensation, the criminal justice system and other systems survivors navigate. Maintains a high-level working relationship with referring agencies. Transports victims and their children to Shelter when necessary. Utilizes available learning opportunities/tools during down time including readings, webinars, and other forms of materials to enhance learning and skills. Actively engages in ERT staff meetings, advocate group supervision, and weekly one-on-one supervision. Follows supervision regarding work schedule, safety planning, record keeping and communicating clients’ needs. Potentially assists in training program volunteers Remains flexible and manages changing priorities on a continuing basis. Knows and adheres to Association policies, procedures, and practices. Safeguards confidential information gained because of the position. Complies with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse. As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must pass criminal, child abuse and neglect, and sex offender background checks.
• Must be versed at using a computer, databases, and case management systems.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to travel throughout Kalamazoo County
• Must have interest and concern for assisting survivors of domestic, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
• Ability to maintain neutrality while supporting clients in a non-judgmental manner.
• Familiarity with community services available to victims of domestic, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or social work preferred.
• One year of experience in crisis intervention, domestic violence or counseling situations preferred.
• Demonstrated assertiveness and ability to manage conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides immediate in-person crisis intervention support to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and/or sexual assault on-site, at local agencies, in their homes, or a safe environment.
• Answers the crisis line and provides trauma-responsive support, safety optioning, information, and referrals to survivors.
• Provides empathetic support and describes accurate information and options in a culturally competent and trauma-responsive manner.
• Potentially participates in an on-call rotation in support of the 24/7 program.
• Informs and educates victims on Personal Protection Orders, Crime Victim Compensation, the criminal justice system and other systems survivors navigate.
• Maintains a high-level working relationship with referring agencies.
• Transports victims and their children to Shelter when necessary.
• Utilizes available learning opportunities/tools during down time including readings, webinars, and other forms of materials to enhance learning and skills.
• Actively engages in ERT staff meetings, advocate group supervision, and weekly one-on-one supervision.
• Follows supervision regarding work schedule, safety planning, record keeping and communicating clients’ needs.
• Potentially assists in training program volunteers
• Remains flexible and manages changing priorities on a continuing basis.
• Knows and adheres to Association policies, procedures, and practices.
• Safeguards confidential information gained because of the position.
• Complies with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
• Projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community.
• Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative.
• Racial Justice Training
• Pronoun Training
• Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
• Appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.
• Participates in twenty (20) hours of required Domestic Violence Training.
• Participates in continues training offered by YWCA, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) or other community organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level