Community Outreach and Engagement Advocate

Family Services Inc. • Poughkeepsie, NY

2d • $24 - $24 • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Coordinator of Advocacy, the Community Outreach and Engagement Advocate is a specialized role focused on expanding the reach of CVSS through community education, strategic partnerships, program events, and active community presence. This position bridges the gap between victims and services, with a dedicated focus on underserved and diverse populations. Responsible for the strategic planning and execution of outreach, trainings, specialized events and fundraising. Acts a Floating Victim Advocate to assist Advocacy Team with direct service coverage and assists with program’s internal trainings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred or 3-5 years relevant work experience
• Human Services, counseling, and/or advocacy experience a plus
• Training and Public Speaking experience
• Successful completion of 40-hour CVSS domestic violence/sexual assault training course within the introductory period
• Complete mandated reporter training; Report any behavior or implication of behavior of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
• Complete and maintain training certification as NYS DOH Rape Crisis Counselor
• Must be able to get to and from various work locations throughout work shift and outside of office hours. This includes Family Services, local courts, hospitals, police departments, community event locations, etc.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule and work nights, evenings, and weekends as needed.
• Strong computer skills, including a working knowledge of an e-mail package and MS software programs: Word and Excel.
• Established cell phone, willing to use for work (will be reimbursed), with effective coverage for the Dutchess County area.
• Ability to develop and maintain working relationships within respective law enforcement agencies, other community agencies and stakeholders.
• Ability to remain organized and complete administrative tasks, such as documenting activities and maintaining up-to-date records, in a timely manner.
• Excellent administrative skills
• Possess ‘out of the box’ thinking and resourcefulness
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work effectively when under extreme pressure
• Possess compassion and empathy
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations and a deep commitment to social equity
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without work sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Human Services, counseling, and/or advocacy experience a plus

Responsibilities

• Provide community outreach, awareness activities, and trainings to community members, with a focus on underserved populations, to increase access to victim services and strengthen partnerships with community agencies, programs, and systems.
• Facilitate existing community trainings and proactively develop new training materials to address emerging social trends and community needs.
• Outreach to various community agencies, programs, and systems to enhance working relationships, set up referral systems, and provide training.
• Assist CTO with internal trainings as needed.
• Plan and staff all outreach and tabling events, primarily scheduled for evenings and weekends.
• Plan and implement awareness campaigns for designated awareness months (e.g., Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and others).
• Manage and create social media content in collaboration with Family Services and CVSS.
• Generate and maintain required records, reports and statistical data for program and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
• Assist with fundraisers and special events including Crime Victim's Rights Week events, Homicide Remembrance Day events and more. (May be outside agency hours of operation.)
• Meet with the Leadership Team on a regular basis to provide updates on the status of community outreach and training.
• Act as a Floating Victim Advocate assisting Advocacy team with Direct Service coverage including hotlines, walk-ins, client intakes, and request for accompaniments.
• Act as a buddy to Campus Victim Advocate position or other positions as program needs arise
• Other duties as assigned based upon need of program or agency

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match up to 5%.
• Generous paid vacation, holiday, sick and personal time (2 weeks’ vacation to start, 13 paid holidays per year, 12 sick days per year and 4 personal days per year). Time is accrued based on hour worked.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• Access to Family Services’ Compassionate Leave Program where employees can donate/receive unused time off.
• Group term life and long-term disability insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance & accidental death and dismemberment coverage (AD&D), supplemental insurance through Aflac.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

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