Community Response Specialist

Safe Berks•Reading, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Safe Berks provides a safe haven and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through education, advocacy and a relentless commitment to prevent abuse. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can be their true selves and feel empowered to stand up to all forms of oppression. Our values include Safety, Respect, Empowerment, Education, and Hope. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all staff, residents, clients, board members, and volunteers feel safe and empowered to stand up to oppression of all kinds. This role requires a commitment to exceptional service for all individuals seeking assistance from Safe Berks in a trauma-informed manner, maintaining confidentiality, following agency policies, and making good decisions. The employee should respond to changing circumstances with innovation, adjust behavior to fit different situations, perform work with a calm demeanor in stressful situations, and be flexible and understanding of diverse views and beliefs. Strong communication skills, active listening, and timely information sharing are essential.

Requirements

One (1) to Three (3) years of related experience in the human services field
Bachelor’s degree required
Associate’s degree with equivalent work experience can be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s degree
Completion of a background check request; FBI, State Police, and Child Abuse Clearances obtained within required timeframe under Act 153 through agency vendor
Successful completion of required Advocate Training provided by agency
Valid driver's license, current vehicle registration, acceptable driving record, and PA Minimum Liability insurance coverage of $15,000 Bodily Injury per person / $30,000 Bodily Injury per accident and $5,000 Property Damage, or $35,000 Combined Single Limit, if your position requires operating a personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

Create, schedule and facilitate/co-facilitate domestic and sexual violence training/education for various audiences of all professions, ages, and populations.
Provide drug & alcohol educational sessions and assessments to survivors residing in the Safe Berks Emergency Shelter Program.
Provide on-site response, advocacy, and confidential support services to survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in a hospital setting, college campus, and/or community partner sites.
Provide short-term empowerment counseling, systems advocacy, and safety planning services.
Provide information and education regarding reporting options within the criminal justice system, under Title IX on college campuses, and filing petitions for protection orders within the civil court system.
Provide accompaniments to law enforcement interviews, Children’s Alliance Center forensic interviews, and court hearings.
Provide confidential direct support services to survivors of interpersonal violence and sexual assault.
Provide in-person educational groups and virtual individual empowerment counseling sessions to incarcerated domestic and sexual violence survivors in the Berks County Jail System.
Oversee and maintain the Lethality Assessment Program and provide specialized training to law enforcement officers.
Coordinate and connect survivors to Safe Berks services and/or other community resources.
Create, foster, and maintain collaborations with community partners, social service agencies, healthcare professionals, administrators, and their staff.
Participate in healthcare related task force meetings and/or other community meetings as requested.
Provide Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Trainings to local businesses and organizations.
Attend and table events/activities within the community as requested including those occurring during non-traditional work hours.
Attend staff meetings, individual supervision, and department meetings as scheduled.
Maintain records relevant to program services.
Maintain annual minimum training requirements mandated by funding sources.
Perform other duties as determined by Community Response Specialist and/or Chief Program Officer.