Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate

Susan B. Anthony Project•Torrington, CT

1d•$23 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate supports and facilitates healing for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families by providing counseling, resources, and legal, medical, and other social-service advocacy. The role provides support, advocacy, referrals, and follow-up to sheltered and non-sheltered clients using an empowerment approach, and helps residents establish goals and transition to other living situations. This is a full-time, on-site position in Torrington, Connecticut, scheduled for 37.5 hours per week. Regular hours are Monday through Wednesday, 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The role also supports 24/7/365 crisis-line coverage and may require after-hours shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations. Certified direct-service employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to provide crisis-service coverage and residential presence across all shifts and during emergencies.

Requirements

Education and experience may be gained through relevant training, employment, or volunteer experience.
Knowledge of counseling and social services.
Ability to understand and incorporate the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence into the work.
Ability to understand and incorporate a political/system perspective on domestic violence and sexual abuse issues into the work.
Certification as a DV/SA counselor per statute.
Willingness to participate as a team member to enhance agency communication and operation.
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and follow-up skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or other programs.
Use of 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 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 transition to another living situation, including referrals, furniture, security deposits, and applications.
Clean resident rooms after departure 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 as requested.
Stay informed about services, referral resources, legislation, and policies concerning victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Maintain regular contact with community organizations and service providers to support effective referrals.
Co-facilitate support groups and make efforts 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 and co-facilitator meetings.
Represent Susan B. Anthony Project as an ambassador and participate in events, programs, and awareness and advocacy promotions.
Perform other duties as assigned to further the agency’s mission.