Deputy Director, Advocacy

Vera House Inc•Syracuse, NY

2d•$65,000 - $70,000

About The Position

The Deputy Director of Advocacy will play a vital role in supporting the Director of Advocacy in overseeing and managing the advocacy programs at Vera House, Inc. This role includes supervising staff, ensuring high-quality service delivery, and fostering collaboration with internal teams and community partners. Additionally, the Deputy Director will take a lead role in working with Strive clients, providing specialized advocacy and support services tailored to this population's unique needs. The Deputy Director will also assist in program development, compliance monitoring, and maintain a trauma-informed approach to service delivery. This role requires a balanced combination of leadership, direct service, and administrative responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 3-5 years of relative work experience and a minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.
Thorough knowledge of domestic and sexual violence including elder abuse.
Knowledge of community service delivery systems in the community, 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.
Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Proven expertise and knowledge of Vera House services, and meeting expectations on a consistent basis.
Ability to analyze data, identify problems and develop solutions.
Completion of a satisfactory background check.

Responsibilities

Advocacy Program Oversight:
Assist the Director of Advocacy in overseeing the daily operations of the Advocacy Department to ensure alignment with the agency’s mission, goals, and policies.
Provide supervision, coaching, and support to advocacy staff, ensuring professional growth and high-quality service delivery.
Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes to enhance service effectiveness.
Collaborate with the Director of Advocacy in developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and standards related to advocacy services.
Direct Client Services (Strive Program Focus):
Provide direct advocacy services to Strive clients, including court education and accompaniment, safety planning, and emotional support.
Assist Strive clients with filing claims with the Office of Victim Services (OVS) and provide guidance on accessing resources and services.
Deliver specialized support and advocacy tailored to the unique needs of Strive clients, ensuring a trauma-informed and client-centered approach.
Act as a resource for advocacy staff working with Strive clients, offering expertise and guidance for complex cases.
Program Development and Training:
Support the Director of Advocacy in identifying training needs and coordinating professional development opportunities for advocacy staff.
Assist in the development and implementation of new initiatives and programs to address emerging client needs.
Provide training and guidance to staff on topics related to domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and trauma-informed care.
Data Management and Compliance:
Ensure accurate and timely documentation of client services, including case notes, statistics, and client surveys.
Assist in compiling and analyzing program data to meet reporting requirements for funding sources.
Support compliance with all legal, regulatory, and funding requirements related to advocacy services.
Crisis Intervention:
Provide crisis intervention support as needed, including responding to 24-hour crisis lines and on-call shifts for sexual assault callouts in Onondaga County.
Offer guidance and support to advocacy staff during crisis situations, ensuring a consistent and effective response.