Advocate

Community Solutions•Morgan Hill, CA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Since its founding as a teen drop-in center in 1972, Community Solutions (CS) has grown in both depth and breadth of services in response to the growing and changing needs in the community. As one of the most comprehensive nonprofit human services agencies in Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas, CS provides prevention, intervention, treatment, and residential services to more than 6,400 clients annually, helping them overcome the challenges posed by mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, severe family dysfunction, sexual and domestic violence, and human trafficking. Under the general supervision of the Program Manager and/or designee, the Advocate in Solutions to Violence Division plays a crucial role in delivering culturally responsive advocacy, case management to survivors of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and/or providing educational prevention programs to the community. The Advocate responds to in-person crisis calls within the community, offering crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referral support. The Advocate proactively engages potential clients, increasing awareness about gender-based violence, and fosters collaborative relationships with community partners to support best client care. Services are provided throughout Santa Clara County and San Benito County.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED
Two (2) years’ experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or human trafficking, providing prevention services, or related field.
Must be able to receive a criminal records clearance as required by specific programs, licensing regulations and Community Solutions practices.
Position requires an automobile to perform daily routine job duties.
Completion of 75-hours Intimate Partner Abuse/Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking (IPA/SA/HT) training upon hire or within 6 months of employment.
Possess a valid California driver’s license, current car insurance and a good driving record as documented by a DMV report and consistent with the Agency’s liability insurance requirements.
Direct services Advocate: Empowerment, advocacy, and support techniques for victims/survivors of violence, people with mental illness or substance abuse issues required.
Must possess an understanding of intimate partner abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking, and issues of violence against women.
Prevention services Advocate: Must possess comfort and the ability to present in front of large groups and engage with community members of all ages and backgrounds.
Be outgoing and personable – directly engage with others.
Passionate about stopping violence, creating leaders, and making impactful changes.
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordinator; lift and move objects weighing up to 25lbs; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or four (4) years direct service experience in a related field or past lived experience with the ability to provide services as a survivor of personal trauma.
One year or more experience in a professional office environment.
Bilingual and bicultural.
Working knowledge of wellness and recovery concepts.
Working knowledge of community resources in Santa Clara County and surrounding areas.
Knowledge of case management, peer counseling, community resources, and referrals.

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary contact for assigned clients and works directly with the Intimate Partner Abuse/Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking (IPA/SA/HT) team to implement, monitor and support safety, well-being, and autonomy of victims/survivors of abuse.
Conducts screening, intake and assessments as required.
Assesses clients’ needs and goals to determine appropriate resources, including the referral to professional services without delay.
Provides crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, case management, and referral services for assigned individuals and families.
Coordinates services with other advocacy programs, the legal system, other community-based providers, and informal supporters as needed.
Provides assistance with obtaining housing, developing life skills/income, and achieving greater self-determination.
Provides guidance, extensive support, and resources to families who are currently dealing with homelessness, substance use, mental health, and gender-based violence issues.
Participates in on-call and after hour’s rotation, as assigned.
Advocates on behalf of abuse and/or exploitation survivors with systems, institutions, agencies and at community meetings.
Completes detailed program documents in accordance with agency, program, and regulatory requirements.
Maintains all charts within Agency and Solutions to Violence Division regulations.
Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, HIPAA regulations, and personal boundaries.
Maintains excellent customer service skills with internal and external customers.
Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with appropriate community organizations and system providers, based on client and program needs.
Operates their personal or Agency motor vehicle to participate in client visits, provide daily transportation of clients and/or other assigned Agency business.
Responds to phone calls and emails within 24 hours on business days unless extenuating circumstances exist.
Resolve outstanding issues collaboratively using strength-based solutions focused approach.
Attends and participates in Agency meetings and contributes to continuous quality improvement activities to enhance team and program development.
Consistently uses strength-based and solution focused problem-solving skills.
Successfully completes all training requirements for this position to ensure agency and contract compliance.
Flexible schedule may be required to work some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Performs first aid as needed based on training and certification.
Facilitate individual, group, community meetings, trainings, and forums on the issues of violence prevention.
Leading various activities on school campuses and at community events.
Coordinate events, prepare surveys and data, and launch events.

Benefits

100% of premiums paid by employer for full-time employees and eligible dependent children
403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% employer match
3-weeks paid vacation to start
13 paid holidays
96 sick hours per year (inclusive of self-care/mental health days)
Longevity bonuses
Generous family medical leave for eligible employees
Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Staff learning and development and robust in-house training opportunities
Employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resource Group