Domestic Violence Advocate

The Second Step • Newton, MA

1d • $58,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Provide comprehensive case management, emotional support and advocacy services
to survivors of domestic violence, within an agency framework that is trauma-informed, strength-based,
relational, and empowering. The Domestic Violence Advocate can expect to serve a caseload of
survivors who hold racially- and culturally-diverse identities. The advocate will also plan and facilitate
groups, coordinate services with community providers and identify resources needed to meet the
complex needs of survivors and their families.

Reporting to the Director of Intervention and Advocacy, the Domestic Violence Advocate supports
survivors of domestic violence living in the community, contributes to planning, implementation and
evaluation of programs, and is responsible for other activities as assigned.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or families experiencing homelessness and individuals in residential and/or community-based programs. Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and issues related to domestic violence, complex trauma, mental health, and addiction – with a particular emphasis on how these issues impact families – is essential. Knowledge of issues related to child development and parenting is also valuable. We consider and highly value relevant life experience and employment background.
• Demonstrated experience in the field of domestic violence and/or trauma is required.
• Strong advocacy, assessment and intervention skills desired.
• Strong crisis management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and master new skills and materials.
• Ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously and precisely.
• Knowledge/experience with systems, including legal, courts, child protection services, and public housing.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Cultural competence and cultural humility and/or willingness to learn. Committed to anti-racist practices.
• Collaborative team player.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency with computers and technology.
• Enthusiasm about working collaboratively and effectively in an environment that is linguistically and culturally diverse.
• CORI (Criminal Offender Record Inquiry) check following the first interview
• SORI (Sexual Offender Record Inquiry) check following the first interview
• Ability to travel within Massachusetts; valid driver’s license preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience highly valued. Master's degree preferred.
• Advanced language proficiency (Bi-lingual English/Spanish) preferred. Proficiency in other languages such as Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Mandarin, Vietnamese is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy, case management, safety planning, psycho-education, referrals, and support services to clients
• Provide ongoing emotional and practical support to survivors within a trauma-informed framework
• Advocate on behalf of survivors with healthcare providers, housing/landlords, courts, legal system, school systems, and other systems or agencies depending on their needs
• Plan, lead, and co-facilitate psycho-educational and mutual aid support groups for survivors
• Coach and support survivors in gaining the skills they need to meet their own, self-defined goals.
• Accompany survivors to appointments, legal/court hearings, and to other community engagements when requested to support safety planning and to advocate for their needs.
• Attend and actively participate in weekly team meetings and agency-wide staff meetings
• Represent TSS at community events and forums
• Assist other advocates and directors in planning, coordinating, and running survivor-centered events
• Work with other TSS staff to assess and address survivors’ needs/concerns
• Participate in outreach and awareness efforts
• Attend meetings or appointments that will assist in providing quality advocacy to survivors
• Maintain accurate and timely records in database
• Other duties as assigned.
• Develop and maintain relationships with housing authorities, DTA and DCF offices, employment agencies, medical, immigration, legal, substance use disorder and other community resources.
• Stay informed about changes in availability and eligibility requirements for housing subsidies, welfare, and other benefits.
• Inform other programs and institutions about domestic violence and our programs.
• Participate in volunteer/intern training and supervision as requested.
• Maintain records including service delivery, advocacy plans and other documentation in accordance with confidentiality guidelines.
• Attend and participate in trainings, agency events, team meetings and staff meetings.

Benefits

• Benefits include 3 weeks paid vacation, 13 paid holidays, 2 personal days, ample sick time, agency contribution to health and dental insurance, agency hosted 403(b) plan, and eligibility for agency-sponsored student loan assistance program after 90 days of employment.

What This Job Offers

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