Evening Hotline Advocate

Center For Victims • Pittsburgh, PA

8h • Onsite

About The Position

Center for Victims (CV) is announcing a position opening. Have you recently earned a degree and are looking to gain skills, work experience and professional development? Are you a seasoned professional looking to make an even bigger impact? We invite you to join us today!

POSITION: Evening Hotline Advocate

The Evening Hotline Advocate, based in the shelter administrative office, is responsible for answering all hotline calls and providing offender jail release notification services during non-office hours. In addition, this position assists in coverage of shelter shifts as needed, sits on the on-call rotation for shelter, and assists with shelter advocacy by providing direct service to residents as appropriate.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Knowledge of crisis intervention strategies and conflict resolution.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Completion of mandatory victim assistance training including domestic violence, sexual assault/rape crisis, & other crimes and basic conflict resolution training – provided by the organization.
• Ability to commit to additional training hours as required.
• Ability to secure Act 33 and 34 (Child Abuse and Criminal History) and FBI clearances.
• Ability to secure additional clearances/testing that may be required by funding regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs; computer/database skills including ability to learn state, county, and CV’s various software programs.
• Ability to work closely with others in a team environment.
• Supportive of organization’s mission along with sensitivity of cultural diversity and workplace harmony.
• Ability to adhere to CV’s confidentiality policy along with respect to sensitive, confidential client data and adherence to all Federal, State and local statutes.
• Access to a personal cell phone for safety and immediate business communications.
• A readily available and reliable means of transportation.
• Self-directed with strong problem-solving abilities and flexibility to meet the needs of the program.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred with 1 to 2 years of related experience

Responsibilities

• Answer the 24-hour crisis hotline, primarily during the 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. shift, providing immediate support and assistance to victims, witnesses, and callers.
• Assess caller needs and provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, information, referrals, and emergency response as appropriate.
• Provide information and advocacy related to victims’ rights, the criminal justice system, Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, and available community resources.
• Provide individual advocacy and support to victims and witnesses navigating medical, legal, court, and other systems.
• Manage Offender Release Notification services, including eligibility screening, client registration, documentation, and coordination with Allegheny County Jail and PA SAVIN/VineWatch.
• Notify registered clients of offender releases, transfers, escapes, and pre-trial proceedings, and provide appropriate safety planning and referrals.
• Assess callers requesting emergency shelter, complete shelter intake processes, and assist with shelter placement and referrals when appropriate.
• Support shelter operations by assisting Shelter Advocates, providing direct services to residents, and providing shelter shift coverage as needed.
• Participate in the shelter on-call rotation.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, case documentation, statistics, and reports in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other advocates to ensure continuity of services and appropriate follow-up between shifts.
• Assist with training new Shelter Advocates on hotline procedures and related responsibilities.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, in-services, and other agency activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Employee Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Paid Time Off Benefits
• Shift differential offered for Second and Third Shift
• 15 Paid Holidays
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity for employee reimbursements for mileage, parking and cell phone usage (position dependent)
• Opportunity to apply for PSLF Program (Paid Student Loan Forgiveness Program) for your work with a non-profit

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED