Advocate

Vera House Inc • Syracuse, NY

1d • $21 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Vera House, Inc. is a human service agency that provides unconditional care for individuals and families through comprehensive domestic and sexual violence prevention and intervention services. We believe in collectively serving members of the community and creating an environment of accountability for our services. We strive to provide our employees with flexible schedules, when possible, a level of autonomy to complete their work, and a culture of belonging.

In this role, the Advocate will provide advocacy support services to adults experiencing abuse, intimate partner or dating violence, stalking and sexual assault including face-to-face crisis intervention, along with accommodations with client support groups. This in-person role will report to the admin office Mon-Fri, during open business hours, with the exception of on-call shifts outlined below. The Advocate will maintain a case load of 25-30 cases per month, assisting survivors/clients in identifying, understanding, and prioritizing problems and in obtaining information on available resources as well as assisting in seeking help from intervention systems, including criminal justice, legal, medical counseling, and income programs at various community partner locations. In this position, the Advocate will respond to various 24-hour support line and on-call shifts for sexual assault callouts in Onondaga County, on a routine, scheduled basis.

Requirements

• Minimum 1-3 years of related work experience.
• Thorough knowledge of domestic and sexual violence including elder abuse.
• Knowledge of community service delivery systems in the community for older adults, as well as an understanding of the criminal and civil justice systems.
• Strong training and facilitation skills and ability to work independently.
• Prompt response to crisis as well as thorough and consistent follow up with victims/clients and delivery systems, with the skill to manage difficult and/or emotional situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Skill to provide trauma informed services and knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.
• Completion of a satisfactory background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field a plus, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis intervention, local service delivery systems advocacy, and short-term counseling and support to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or other violent crimes including, emotional support to survivors and their families, face to face and telephone crisis intervention at the request of the victims and referral sources.
• Maintain database consistent with Vera House practices.
• Collaborate and maintain positive working relationships with community members and partnering agencies.
• Adhere to all Vera House policy, procedure, and safety protocols.
• Educate survivors/victims and family members about the dynamics and impact of sexual assault and physical trauma.
• Ensure that all services are maintained in accordance with the Agency’s mission and goals.
• Crosstrain and assist the Advocacy Department in other grant-related duties, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree