Program Advocate

Position Title:

Program Advocate Position Description:

This position provides trauma-informed care and supportive services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. CBV advocates offer crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, accompaniment and education to victim survivors of interpersonal violence in Western Nevada County. This position provides services in-person at the CBV Client Service Center in Grass Valley and CBV Safehouse.

Initial Salary:

$20-25/hr

DOE Reports To:

Client Service Center Manager/Housing Manager Status:

hourly, non-exempt, full and part-time 16-40 hours per week

Benefits:

Paid sick time, holidays, vacation, IRA with employer match, and an EAP program.

RESPONSIBILITIES A.

Client Service Center Services Provide in-person and phone counseling individually and in a group setting to victims/survivors of interpersonal violence. Provide in-person and phone crisis intervention. Provide supportive services to clients, including assisting with safety planning, temporary restraining orders, advocacy, and accompaniment to court, social services, law enforcement, medical exams, resource referrals, coordination of transportation, and "warm hand offs." Provide services using trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and empowerment-based approaches that support client autonomy and choice. Provide coverage for CBV's 24-hour Crisis Line including 24-hour response to emergency calls from law enforcement, hospitals, or requests for motel placement. Assist clients with applying for and accessing non-CBV social services, including Victim Witness, CalFresh, CalWORKs, housing, employment, and other community resources. Provide encouragement and support to clients to identify their values, needs, goals, and action steps, and provide follow-up support with client-identified action plans. Assist clients in addressing barriers related to clothing, food, housing, income, childcare, and transportation. Provide transportation for clients in personal or agency vehicles when necessary to achieve action steps in their plan. Maintain professional boundaries while building respectful, supportive relationships with clients. Engage in workplace wellness and self-care practices consistent with agency expectations to support sustainable service delivery. Network with agency partners, attend collaboration meetings, and provide training for other local agencies, as requested. Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming office environment through routine housekeeping support, supply management, and shared space monitoring. Prepare office space for opening and closing hours. Prepare rooms for client arrivals, restock supplies, and track maintenance needs. Maintain inventory of donations, hygiene, and program supplies. Maintain accurate, timely documentation of client services and interactions in required databases and files. Obtain and document appropriate Releases of Information prior to sharing client information with outside providers. Ensure timely completion of documentation and support data quality by maintaining organized files and addressing documentation backlogs when assigned. Complete incident reports and document safety concerns, behavioral incidents, or facility issues in accordance with agency policy. Prepare shift transition notes, flag urgent follow-up needs, and support continuity of care between shifts. Prepare intake packets, welcome materials, hygiene kits, and other program materials to support new clients and daily operations. Maintain and update community resource information, including housing, transportation, legal, medical, counseling, employment, and benefits resources. Prepare materials and supplies for groups, children's programming, and seasonal or wellness activities. Support internal organization of shared workspaces, forms, and materials to ensure program readiness across shifts.

KNOWLEDGE

General understanding of how trauma can affect individuals and that everyone can respond differently to trauma. Know how to work with compassion and understanding with people in crisis. Working knowledge of basic computer software, including Google and Microsoft programs. General understanding of non-violent behavior and communication as well as conflict resolution methods

CRITICAL SKILLS

Strong time management, organization and planning skills. Ability to learn, use and navigate new computer and electronic software programs that are critical to agency operations. Multi-tasking and working under time constraints. Flexibility in changing work conditions or expectations. Ability to work independently as well as remotely in a team Strong and clear communication skills. Good judgment and problem solving.

Qualifications :

Must have valid California Driver's License Previous experience providing supportive services to vulnerable populations is highly desirable. Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices and commitment to survivor-centered advocacy. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences. Have or be able to successfully obtain Crisis Intervention Training Certification within 6 months of employment (this training can be provided) Must pass Live Scan. Must have a reliable means of mobile communication and cell service/landline at your home. Fluency in reading and speaking English; Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply (differential provided). Ability to respond to a crisis line call out within 30 minutes. Must be able to meet physical requirements of job description with reasonable accommodation. Work Experience One year in the social services field working directly with people is preferred. Bachelor's degree in the social services field may be acceptable work experience. Physical Requirements Work requires little physical effort. Lifting or performing other work requiring light physical exertion (up to 30 pounds) is intermittent (not a routine part of the job) and secondary to the job. The job requires remaining stationary for long periods of time. There may be occasional need to stoop, kneel or crouch. Accommodations can be made for qualified applicants. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@cbv.org •Community Beyond Violence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workspace environment with staff that are reflective of the many diverse populations we serve. •All positions are grant funded and subject to possible funding/position loss. Elements of this job description will be periodically evaluated and are subject to adjustment by CBV.

Pay:

$20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person