Clermont County Advocate

Women Helping Women•Clermont, OH

About The Position

We're looking for a compassionate and dedicated Rural Advocate to provide direct crisis intervention and support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. This role is crucial to our mission and involves a variety of hands-on responsibilities, from providing immediate crisis intervention and safety planning to offering long-term support through court accompaniment and support group facilitation. As a Rural Advocate, you'll be a frontline resource for survivors, empowering them by advocating for their needs based on their self-defined goals. You will provide essential services like telephone and one-on-one crisis intervention, hospital advocacy, and information and referrals to other resources. You'll also be responsible for maintaining accurate client records and participating in the evaluation of our program policies and procedures. This position requires someone who is not only a skilled advocate but also a reliable and empathetic presence for those in a time of need.

Requirements

Active Listening: The ability to listen without judgment and understand a survivor's needs and experiences.
Empathy and Compassion: A deep capacity to understand and share the feelings of another person, especially in a time of crisis.
Crisis Intervention: The skill to provide immediate, short-term support to individuals in a state of emotional, mental, physical, or behavioral distress.
Advocacy: The ability to speak or write on behalf of a client and champion their rights and goals.
Confidentiality: A strict commitment to protecting a client's private information.
Communication Skills : Excellent verbal and written communication to interact with clients, colleagues, and external partners. This includes explaining complex legal or procedural information clearly.
Cultural Competency : The awareness and sensitivity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including different cultures, genders, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses.
Problem-Solving: The capacity to help clients navigate complex and often challenging situations, such as safety planning or legal proceedings.
Record-Keeping: Meticulous attention to detail for maintaining accurate and timely client records and case notes.
Boundary Setting: The ability to maintain professional boundaries to avoid burnout and ensure a healthy working relationship with clients.
Stress Management: The resilience and coping mechanisms to handle emotionally challenging situations and prevent secondary trauma.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, and email.
At least one year of experience in crisis intervention, advocacy, or direct services within the fields of sexual assault or domestic violence.
Experience delivering training and educational programs.

Responsibilities

Provide direct crisis intervention and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
Assist clients with safety planning and provide resources and referrals.
Offer one-on-one support and accompaniment to court, hospital visits, or other appointments.
Facilitate support and educational groups for survivors.
Maintain accurate records and documentation, ensuring confidentiality.
Be available for hospital on-call shifts as assigned.
Advocate for survivors in alignment with their goals and with their consent.