DV-SA Relief Advocate

STEPS Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services Position Title:

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Relief Advocate Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

History of work experience in the human service field, must possess personal qualities of patience, empathy, and flexibility. Must be oriented toward developing the potential of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and able to work as a team. General Summary Under the direction of the Director of Victim Services and Service Coordinator, the DV/SA Relief Advocate will provide support services to assist clients during the absence of the casework staff to include after hours, weekends, and holidays.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Intake and orientation for new clients: a. Go over Expectations b. Review daily routine and program schedules c. Make room assignments d. Log all intakes e. Issue food and needed supplies to new clients f. Assist client with developing a safety plan g. Assist client with welcome package and understanding of services offered 2. Hotline and request for emergency services a. Call Director of Victim Services if request is outside of shelter services b. Make appropriate referrals to other community agencies c. If caller is being physically abused, accept immediately if there is room d. Interview each caller to determine eligibility, when unsure, call on-call staff e. Provide consultations with battered women who are not seeking shelter understand their options, including risk and safety 3. Document daily events in the Log and important information in clients' files 4. Stay current by reading client files-all information must remain confidential 5. Report all referrals made to residents to the appropriate caseworker 6. Oversee chores 7. Redirect on expectations when needed 8. Report all suspected incidents of child abuse to day staff 9. Attend all regularly scheduled Relief Advocate staff meetings 10. Provide support for the clients 11. Provide support for group facilitator 12. Assist with other duties as assigned by Director 13. Maintain safety in shelter at all times 14. Attend appropriate training for position held 15. Enter hotlines and services into VaDATA

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Knowledge of crisis intervention and family case management. 2. Knowledge of the various community-based family service programs and activities. 3. Knowledge of conflict resolutions strategies. 4. Knowledge of financial counseling and related subjects. 5. Knowledge of basic housing counseling skills and techniques. 6. Knowledge of diversion and targeted prevention procedures. 7. Knowledge of the use of personal computers and standard office software. 8. Effective oral and written communication skills. 9. Ability to accurately track and report data. 10. Ability to maintain meticulous and up-to-date case files. 11. Ability to correctly assess situations within scope of responsibility and to make sound judgments within existing laws, policies, and regulations. 12. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies and programs. 13. Ability to plan daily activities to achieve identified goals. 14. Ability to independently problem solve and provide guidance to other team members.

EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Must be able to change routine in a positive manner. 2. Must be able to follow through on assignments independently. 3. Must have good organizational skills. 4. Work output must be at a competitive level. 5. Must be able to solve problems as they arise. 6. Must have stable work behaviors daily. 7. Must have adequate individual coping skills. 8. Must be able to maintain good work attendance. 9. Must be able to participate in decision making. 10. Must be able to respond appropriately to emergency situations. 11. Must be able to exercise good judgment to maintain a safe working environment.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$15.00 per hour

Schedule:

Evenings as needed Nights as needed On call Overnight shift Weekends as needed

Work Location:

In person