VOCA Outreach Advocate

Status:

Full-time, Non-exempt

Description:

Provide support, counseling, and advocacy to victims of domestic violence

Requirements &

Skills:

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience in domestic violence intervention preferred

Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Basic computer skills

Ability to advocate on behalf of victims

Ability to perform calmly in crisis situations

Training and experience in crisis intervention counseling preferred

Successful completion of Core Competency course

Successful completion of first aid and CPR class

Valid Florida driver’s license

Duties:

VOCA Duties

10%  Provide empowerment based advocacy for all participants and assess    participant needs, assess lethality of participant’s situation, assist participant with adaptation and development of safety plan

5% Maintain and report statistical measurements as required, maintain documentation as required, maintain knowledge of community resources and refer/advocate as necessary, maintain current knowledge of domestic violence, demonstrate an understanding of prevention principles and implement prevention activities

3% Other duties and tasks as assigned by Manager

Crisis Counseling/Support Group Facilitation:

10% Provide individual counseling; crisis intervention; emotional support; guidance; information and referral.

3% Crisis Hotline Counseling: Provide victims with crisis counseling, guidance, emotional support, information, referrals, etc.

7% Facilitate support groups and group activities.

Emergency Legal Advocacy/Criminal Justice Support:

10% Emergency legal advocacy, criminal justice support; assistance with restraining orders, injunctions, and other protective orders

10% Assistance with petitions such as elder abuse and child abuse,

10% Advocacy for victims at any stage of the criminal justice process

5% Post sentencing services and support.

Personal Advocacy and Follow-Up Contact:

10% Personal advocacy; emergency financial assistance and follow-up,  assistance to secure victims’ rights, remedies, and services from other agencies

6% Locate emergency financial assistance; intervene with employers, creditors, and others on behalf of the victim, assist in filing for losses covered by public and private insurance programs including workman’s compensation, unemployment benefits, welfare, accompany victim to the hospital, assist with processing requests for emergency financial assistance (cash outlays) for items such as transportation, food, clothing, emergency housing, etc.

7% Assist with filing for compensation claims which includes advising victims of the availability of crime victim compensation, assist in completing required forms; gathering needed documentation; etc.

4% Follow-up contact (in person, via telephone, or written) to offer emotional support, provide empathetic listening, and check on victim’s progress.

ADA:

Must be physically mobile and able to sit, stand, bend, stoop, and lift 20+ pounds. The Shelter for Abused Women & Children complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and support to the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  The Shelter is an equal opportunity employer.  We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status.  We assure you that your opportunity for employment with us depends solely upon your knowledge, skills, and abilities.