Advocate – ERT – 2nd & 3rd Shift

Providing Emergency Response services and referrals to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

1. Provides immediate in-person crisis intervention support to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in their homes or a safe environment.
2. Provides empathetic support and describes accurate information and options in a polite, professional manner.
3. May participate in an on-call rotation in support of the 24/7 program.
4. Informs and educates victims on Personal Protection Orders, Crime Victim Compensation and the criminal justice system. Makes referrals as needed.
5. Answers and supports the 27/7/365 Crisis Line.
6. Transports victims and their children to Shelter when necessary.
7. Follows supervision regarding work schedule, safety planning, record keeping and communicating clients’ needs.
8. May assist in training program volunteers
9. Safeguard confidential information gained as a result of the position.
10. Comply with applicable local, state and federal licensing requirements/certification and or regulations.
11. Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. YWCA location.
2. Off-site location.
3. Potential outdoor events.
4. Sitting, standing, kneeling, bending.
5. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to stand.
6. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to walk.
7. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to sit.
8. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
9. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to talk or hear.
10. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather).
11. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals.
12. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually exposure to outside weather conditions.
13. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather).
14. Occasionally/Frequently/Continually exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials.
15. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
16. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
17. Additional remarks regarding work environment:
18. Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: copier machine.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Social Work required.
2. One year of experience in crisis intervention, domestic violence or counseling situations preferred.
3. Demonstrated assertiveness and ability to manage conflict.
4. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have reliable transportation.
2. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
3. Must be able to travel throughout Kalamazoo County.
4. Must have interest and concern for assisting survivors of domestic and sexual assault.
5. Ability to maintain neutrality while supporting clients in a non-judgmental manner.
6. Familiarity with community services available to victims of domestic and sexual assault.
7. Proficiency in Spanish preferred.

Training Requirements

1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative.
2. Racial Justice Training.
3. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
4. Appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.
5. Participates in twenty (20) hours of required Domestic Violence Training.
6. Participates in continues training offered by YWCA, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) or other community organizations.