Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate

Susan B. Anthony Project•Torrington, CT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate supports and facilitates the healing of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families by providing counseling, resources, and legal, medical, and other social-service advocacy. This is a full-time, on-site position in Torrington, Connecticut, for 37.5 hours per week. Regular hours are Monday through Wednesday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role also participates in 24/7/365 crisis-line coverage and may require after-hours shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Employees required to be certified to provide direct client services under CGS 52-146K, and their managers, are considered essential personnel. This classification requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts, including daytime, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, storms, and other emergency situations.

Requirements

Relevant education and experience, which may have been gained through training, employment, or volunteer experience.
Knowledge of counseling and social services.
Ability to understand and incorporate the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence into work.
Ability to understand and incorporate a political and systems perspective on domestic violence and sexual abuse issues into work.
Certification as a DV/SA counselor per statute.
Willingness to participate as a team member to enhance agency communication and operations.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and follow-up skills.
Proficiency with the Microsoft Office platform and/or other programs.
Ability to use positive communication and proactive conflict resolution.
Ability to work with other agencies, systems, the board, and volunteers.
Daily access to a car and a valid Connecticut driver's license.
Ability to lift and move 25 pounds.
Patience and a sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with other staff to provide 24/7/365 crisis-line coverage and be available for required after-hours shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Provide support counseling, advocacy, referrals, and follow-up for sheltered and non-sheltered clients using an empowerment approach.
Complete shelter screenings and intakes within 24 hours in accordance with established guidelines.
Welcome and orient new residents.
Support residents in establishing and achieving short- and long-term goals.
Conduct case-management meetings.
Coordinate and facilitate client house meetings for shelter and TLP.
Assist residents leaving shelter with transitions to other living situations, including referrals, furniture, security deposits, and applications.
Clean resident rooms after exits and prepare rooms for new residents.
Help maintain a safe and clean living environment by participating in shelter cleaning.
Accompany adult victims and survivors to hospitals or private physicians, police, and/or court when requested, providing advocacy or emotional support at their request.
Stay informed about services, referral resources, legislation, and policies regarding victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Maintain regular contact with community organizations and service providers to ensure effective referrals.
Co-facilitate support groups and make every effort to provide childcare when necessary.
Assist with community education and provide in-services as requested.
Provide information, application assistance, and support for Victim Compensation funds.
Maintain and provide service data and statistics as required.
Participate in individual and group supervision, including advocate meetings and co-facilitator meetings.
Represent Susan B. Anthony Project as an ambassador and participate in events, programs, and promotions of awareness and advocacy.
Perform other duties as assigned to further the agency's mission.