Victim Advocate - SAF House (Friday-Monday)

OCO•Oswego, NY

About The Position

Provides direct services to victims of domestic and/or sexual violence and other crimes for designated SAF Programming, according to OCO Universal Service Delivery methods in diverse locations, including OCO offices, other agency offices, program sites, public places and the homes of consumers. Provides support to assigned manager to assist with smooth operations and provision of services. Independently provides intervention and care management services to an assigned population and oversees project functions as assigned. Carries out duties in accordance with Agency and Program policies/procedures and funder regulations.

Requirements

Have a desire to work with individuals and families and has a thorough understanding of the family development process and the OCO Service Delivery system.
Must complete and maintain all regulatory training/education for NYS DOH Rape Crisis Certification and Domestic Violence Advocate privilege.
Must be able to work independently and be self-motivated, resourceful, organized and adaptable in carrying out job duties.
Must be familiar with the geographical layout of the county and have knowledge of civil/legal systems and human service resources in the county.
Must have good oral and written communication skills and have excellent documentation and reporting skills.
Must possess skills for complex data entry and have the ability to read and interpret complex information and manipulate data.
Must have demonstrated ability to work with others in a warm, non-judgmental manner and be a positive role model.
Must be able to direct the work of others, set priorities, and problem solve.
Must exhibit professionalism, good judgment and maintain strict confidentiality with regard to client information.
Must exhibit a detailed knowledge of regulations, services, rights and responsibilities for the population served.
Must have the ability to work with populations with special needs, including those that may exhibit aggressive behaviors.
Must be flexible with work schedule in order to meet the needs of the program; must participate in 24 hour on-call emergency services on a rotating basis.
Must have acceptable health to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license with driving record within policy and access to a properly insured, reliable vehicle for regular travel and transporting consumers.
Associate’s Degree in a Human Services area preferred; and
Must have 1-3 years’ experience in Human Services/Victim Assistance programming with a wide variety of ages and populations; or
Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training.

Responsibilities

Provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling, advocacy and solution focused decision making to individuals and families experiencing victimization via the crisis hotline and/or assigned site.
Works in collaboration with a wide variety of service providers and community support agencies to engage consumers and assist them in connecting to needed services.
Acts in a primary role for the evening and weekend on-call crisis hotline; provides crisis intervention, supportive counseling, advocacy and solution focused decision making to individuals and families experiencing victimization; directly manages crisis situations.
Works in collaboration with the management team to support Advocacy staff with functions of the program.
Assists with and documentation of such services.
Informs consumers of available services in the community to meet their specific needs.
Assists with referrals and provides advocacy and assistance with completion of applications for a variety of individual needs, including, OVS compensation claims and HUD benefits and any needed community service
Follows strict protocols for safety when working on behalf of victims including protection of the confidentiality of staff.
Develops and maintains assessments and individualized service plans and coordinates service activities to help consumers meet their needs and protect their rights in a variety of civil and legal processes.
Provides the teaching and coaching of life skills such as safety planning, civil/legal systems, positive problem-solving, healthy relationships.
Provides or arranges transportation to enable consumers to connect with the courts and police agencies, medical providers, DSS caseworkers, and other needed resources in the community.
Case-manages on clients’ behalf with co-workers, supervisors and community partners including law enforcement, local courts, prosecutors, probation and attorneys as needed.
Plans safety for Victims of Domestic Violence and Crime while maintaining staff safety in a variety of settings; in client homes, during accompaniments to court and law enforcement agencies, apartment viewings, and more.
Maintains extensive records for individual client-related services, as well as a variety of documentation used to report program outcomes, provide data in the agency data management system; and complete documents for billable services and grant reports.
Oversees program specific functions, as assigned.