Bilingual Community Advocate

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence Inc • Waltham, MA

6h • $25 - $27 • Onsite

About The Position

Bilingual Community Advocates work in our main office in Waltham with survivors from the Metro West Boston communities. This position provides support to survivors in Spanish and English. The Advocate role includes a combination of case management, emotional support & advocacy services to adult survivors of domestic violence within an agency framework that is trauma-informed, strength-based, relational, and empowering.

Requirements

• Work from a philosophy that sees people, not problems
• Eagerness to engage with people of all ages
• Knowledge of the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and the impact of trauma
• Commitment to a social justice framework
• Strong interpersonal and crisis intervention skills
• Understanding of different cultural backgrounds and the ability to provide services that respect these differences.
• Strong ability to support and empower individuals who have experienced trauma
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interaction and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and maintain detailed records.
• Understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, legal protections, and available resources
• Flexible, adaptable, patient, proactive approach when working with survivors
• Model and uphold appropriate boundaries at work with survivors
• Commitment to the philosophy and mission of REACH
• Strong communication, empathetic and active listening skills, and analytical skills.
• Fluency in Spanish is required including written, verbal and reading.
• Model and uphold appropriate boundaries at work with survivors.
• Knowledge of Metro West Boston area resources.
• Ability to work in crisis situations and manage a diverse caseload with varying needs.
• Candidates will be asked to submit periodic background checks.
• This position requires frequent, local travel. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a car and be willing to drive for appointments. REACH provides mileage reimbursement at the IRS rate.

Responsibilities

• Serve as advocate for community members, including advocacy work around issues such as housing, benefits, employment, childcare, medical and dental care, education, legal matters, immigration, mental health, and substance abuse
• Work with other REACH staff to address survivors’ needs and concerns
• Support the intake process including conducting intakes with survivors new to REACH’s program
• Assist survivors with contacting community resources, setting up appointments, and transportation to and from appointments
• Attending and providing emotional support to survivors at court hearings.
• Collaborating with community partners and providers to ensure survivors have access to services.
• Attend any meetings or appointments that will assist in providing quality advocacy to survivors
• Work with the Director of Children, Family and Group Services to address children’s needs, including school registration, daycare, after school programs, and summer camps
• Co-facilitate assigned support groups
• Maintain survivors’ records including service delivery records, advocacy plans, and other documentation in accordance with confidentiality guidelines
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or leadership.
• Develop and maintain relationships with housing authorities, DTA and DCF offices, employment agencies, medical, immigration, legal, substance abuse and other community resources
• Support legislative advocacy priorities through REACH including survivor engagement
• Track changes in availability and eligibility requirements for housing subsidies, welfare, and other benefits
• Inform other programs and institutions on domestic violence and our programs. Assist representatives in making information available to all members of their organization/institution
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or leadership.
• Working to ensure that REACH’s values are demonstrated in the policies and procedures of the organization, every day.
• Working in collaboration with colleagues in other programs at the organization, participating with internal committees, and engaging with external and coalition work related to the role and/or the organization.
• Participating in staff meetings, weekly professional supervision, and weekly clinical supervision.

Benefits

• Robust benefits including health, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Dependent Care Account (DCA), employer paid Long Term Disability, employer paid Employee Assistance Program, employer paid life Insurance, and retirement plan with employer matching up to 3% of salary contributed.
• 20 Days (4 weeks) of Paid Vacation Time, 25 Days (5 weeks) after 3 years of employment
• A 4-week paid sabbatical, in addition to vacation time, is available to full-time employees after 7 years of employment
• 12 Days Paid Sick Time and 11 Paid Federal Holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees