Victim Advocate (9236)

The Salvation Army•Port Richey, FL

About The Position

This full-time position works approximately 35 hours per week in a domestic violence shelter. The Victim Advocate provides crisis support and services to survivors of domestic violence, including crisis counseling, safety planning, case documentation, referrals, and transportation to appointments related to service plans. The role also supports the operation and cleanliness of the shelter and may require additional hours and holiday work to ensure emergency shelter coverage. Successful completion of Domestic Violence Core Competency training is required within 90 days of employment, followed by at least 16 hours of continuing education in domestic violence to maintain State of Florida Core Competency Certification. Victim Practitioner Certification Training (40 hours) is completed after hire. A Level 2 background screening is required.

Requirements

Associate degree in a human service-related field, sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, criminology, or a related field, plus two years of experience working with victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Complete Domestic Violence Core Competency training within 90 days of employment.
Attend at least 16 hours of continuing education in domestic violence to maintain State of Florida Core Competency Certification.
Complete Victim Practitioner Certification Training (40 hours) after hire.
Level 2 background screening required.
Ability to meet attendance requirements.
Ability to read, write, and communicate in English, including clear and effective oral and written communication.
Ability to manage multiple cases efficiently without becoming frustrated or disorganized.
Ability to drive a vehicle; a valid state driver's license may be required.
Ability to lift and carry light objects weighing less than 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Provide crisis intervention through telephone interviews and individual and group counseling.
Orient new clients to the program and help survivors with crisis counseling and safety planning.
Prepare case records to facilitate case management and record daily services.
Respond calmly to emergencies and initiate appropriate corrective action in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Provide referrals for legal assistance to survivors of domestic violence.
Perform housekeeping duties as needed to maintain shelter cleanliness.
Distribute towels, linens, personal hygiene items, and other items to residents as needed.
Drive to advocate for victims and transport them to appointments related to service plans.
Work additional hours outside the standard schedule and some holidays as needed to ensure proper emergency shelter coverage.