DV Advocate - $19+ - Training Provided - Part Time (32 Hours)

Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA • Washington, PA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

DVSSP is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging. If you are excited about a role but your experience doesn’t match every requirement in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. You may be a great fit and just the candidate we are looking for! This role will primarily work Wednesday through Saturday mid-shift or daylight hours, with occasional afternoon hour requirements for coverage.

Requirements

• Translatable work experience
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to provide on-going supervision, training, and professional development
• Collaborate with peers and other departments within the agency
• Working knowledge of community resources
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficient computer, Internet, and email skills
• Possess current PA driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint processed in accordance with Public Law 92-522 and the Child Protective Services Law (Title 23, Pa C.S. Chapter 63), Federal Criminal History Background Check.
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• PA State Police Report of Criminal History Clearance.
• Reference Check

Nice To Haves

• Advanced Degree or equivalent work experience

Responsibilities

• Use an educative, supportive, trauma-informed model when providing direct service.
• Provide direct service including telephone hotline counseling, safety planning, information and referrals, individual advocacy, individual counseling, transportation, support groups, and victim compensation assistance.
• Schedule and complete service plans and service plan updates; assist clients with their service plan work.
• Provide intakes and transportation as needed, arrange hotline coverage as warranted.
• Offer education and information about other community options during hotline counseling, particularly if DVSSP has no available beds.
• Report child abuse as mandated by law, reinforcing to volunteers that they are mandated reporters and required to report child abuse as directed by the requisite process in place.
• Supervise and train worksite volunteers as directed.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other community resources.
• Maintain detailed and timely electronic counseling records.
• Prepare and submit all statistics and reports as instructed.
• Counsel clients in legal options and expectations; support and assist clients in all aspects of the criminal and civil justice systems, accompanying them to hearings as requested.
• Accompany clients to law enforcement agencies and advocate on their behalf as requested.
• Assist clients in filing Protection From Abuse petitions, accompanying them to Southwestern PA Legal Services and advocating for them at hearings.
• Develop/maintain good working relationships with and assist in trainings to legal/law enforcement systems.
• Participate in community outreach and systems advocacy for Lethality Assessment Program.
• Participate in advocacy activities on behalf of domestic violence victims on a local, state, and national level to assure increased levels of awareness of domestic violence issues by policy makers and the public.
• Maintain daily computer data collection and necessary paperwork.
• Make prudent use of resources by monitoring consumption, minimizing waste, and offering suggestions for improving agency efficiency (e.g., travel expenses, office supplies).
• Maintain facility, staff, volunteer, and client confidentiality, assure adequate security and safety measures.
• Keep up to date with prevailing laws and local procedures pertaining to domestic violence.
• Complete trainings as directed by the Director of Client Services.
• Participate and promote DVSSP fundraising activities.
• Exhibit regular and reliable attendance.

Benefits

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Training
• Competitive Pay
• Annual education opportunities
• Internal Advancement
• Comprehensive Benefit package including PTO, Sick Time, and Agency Vehicle use for work related travel.
• Pension
• Life Insurance
• Extended Paid Leave
• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Eligibility for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed