Economic Empowerment Advocate

The Spring Of Tampa Bay Inc•Tampa, FL

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic Empowerment Advocate is responsible for the successful implementation of the VOCA Funded Economic Empowerment Program. This includes completing all required reports and compiling monthly reports that track the number of survivors receiving services and the type of services provided. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, service programs, and confidentiality. The advocate will educate survivors on their options and develop and implement an economic empowerment program. This program will include components such as adapting and delivering Economic Empowerment curricula, financial literacy, economic advocacy, Earned Income Tax Credits awareness, and programs related to microloans, micro enterprises, or matched savings/Individual Developmental accounts. The advocate will also assist survivors of domestic violence with identifying and securing affordable housing, and with relocation/victim compensation where appropriate. Additionally, the role involves assisting survivors in identifying and attaining their employment goals, and collaborating with various community agencies such as local literacy programs, career centers, Job Links, Dress for Success programs, and local libraries. Extensive community outreach is expected to connect survivors with literacy programs, GED programs, English as a Second Language programs, and other identified referral sources. The position requires participation in the Department of Children and Families-Domestic Violence Program (DCF DVP)-led program evaluation, as well as DCF-DVP sponsored events, trainings, technical assistance, learning exchanges, conference calls, and webinars. The advocate will attend agency meetings and other assigned meetings, ensuring that service management and documentation meet the Department of Children and Families Domestic Violence Program standards. The role involves recording and compiling statistical data and submitting reports at the end of each month and quarter as required by The Spring and DCF DVP. The advocate will also facilitate onsite training topics relevant to the Economic Justice Project. Occasional duties may include facilitating conference calls, crisis counseling and referrals, community presentations, data collection, and other related duties as assigned. The position is accountable for participant service, maintaining participant satisfaction and quality of services, ensuring participant files are kept up to date professionally and within agency standards, assisting in maintaining participant safety, and maintaining expenditures within the department’s budget. There is no supervision responsibility. Business-related contacts involve collaboration and outreach to related agencies. Prohibited functions include responding to media requests and providing services that could be interpreted as practicing law.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field of domestic violence, preferred not required.
Comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and victim issues.
Can function calmly in a crisis atmosphere.
Must be able to function independently while working cooperatively as a member of a team.
Must have knowledge of community resources and the ability to maintain a cordial working relationship with other agencies.
Must be able to work with a culturally diverse community with sensitivity and professionalism.
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Must be computer proficient in a Windows environment.
Requires Domestic Violence Core Competency training and additional 6-hours (30-hours total) to qualify for privilege status; must successfully pass written test.
Valid Florida Driver’s License, active automobile insurance, and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report. Must have 2 years driving experience.
Must be able to pass and maintain screening and clearance by FDLE and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Must be eligible to be sworn as a Deputy Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Demonstrated maturity and good judgment
Ability to handle crisis situations calmly and with expertise
A self-starter and the ability to perform with a high degree of autonomy and as part of a team
Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision making
Excellent organizational, analytical and time management skills
Excellent verbal and oral communication and presentation skills
Knowledge of domestic violence and victim issues, including advocacy activities, statutes and impact on children
Reliable transportation required

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field
A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field of domestic violence
Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)

Responsibilities

Has a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, service programs, and confidentiality and privilege
Educates survivors on their options.
Developing and implementing an economic empowerment program to include components such as: Economic Empowerment curricula adaptation and delivery, Financial literacy, Economic advocacy, Earned Income Tax Credits awareness, Microloans, micro enterprises, or matched savings/Individual Developmental accounts programs.
Assisting survivors of domestic violence with identifying and securing affordable housing. Assists with relocation/victim compensation where appropriate.
Assisting survivors of domestic violence with identifying and attaining their employment goals.
Collaborating with community agencies including, but not limited to: local literacy programs, career centers, Job Links, Dress for Success programs and local libraries
Conducting extensive outreach in the community so that in addition to survivors gaining economic empowerment services via center services they are already receiving, survivors will be connected with local literacy programs, GED programs, English as a Second Language programs and other identified referral sources.
Participating in the Department of Children and Families-Domestic Violence Program (DCF DVP)-led program evaluation of the project.
Participating in DCF-DVP sponsored events, trainings, technical assistance, learning exchanges, conference calls and webinars.
Attends agency meetings and all other meetings as assigned
Service management and documentation meets the Department of Children and Families Domestic Violence Program standards
Records and compiles statistical data and submits reports at the end of each month as required by both The Spring and DCF DVP
Records and compiles data and submits reports at the end of each quarter
Facilitates onsite training topics relevant to the Economic Justice Project.
Facilitates conference calls facilitated by DCF DVP
Provides crisis counseling and referrals to survivors
Conducts community presentations
Performs data collection
Maintains participant satisfaction and quality of services.
Ensures participant files are kept up to date professionally and within agency standards.
Assists in maintaining participant safety.
Maintains expenditures to ensure they are within the department’s budget.