VOCA Culturally Specific Advocate

To provide empowerment-based, trauma-informed advocacy and other supportive services to victims/survivors of intimate partner domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking with disabilities and/or seeking interventions for substance use.

1. Provide (onsite, at satellite locations, or in the community) client directed, empowerment based, trauma informed services to victims/survivors of intimate partner domestic violence including crisis intervention, emotional support, case management, advocacy, referral, support groups and follow-up.
2. Inform program participants about choices and options regarding economic, legal, social, health and other basic needs.
3.  Maintain program participant records, collect statistics and submit reports as required.
4.  Work collegially to assure that client needs are met, assisting other staff to provide services as needed.
5.  Provide support for shelter operations such as phone coverage, client orientation, and client access to shelter services and supplies.
6.  Function as a member of the team in program/department development activities.
7.  Safeguard confidential information gained as a result of the job.
8. Maintain timely documentation of direct service interaction.
9.  Assist with volunteer and field placement training and activities.
10. Comply with applicable local, state and federal licensing/certification requirements and/or regulations.
11.  Comply with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse
12.  As a YWCA employee, project a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community, the Association and the program.
13.  Work cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff and volunteers.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. YWCA location
2. Capacity to work remotely, as needed
3. Off-site locations: In the Community
4. Potential outdoor events
5. Sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, some lifting
6. Frequently required to talk or hear
7. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet
8. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 10 pounds

1. Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field and/or lived experience required. Commensurate experience in the area of intimate partner domestic violence, sexual assault,
2. and human trafficking may be considered.
3. Bilingual Preferred
4. Minimum one-year experience in crisis intervention, crisis counseling and/or casework required.
5. Experience serving people with disabilities is preferred.
6. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and with people of diverse backgrounds.
7. Demonstrated ability to be flexible and creative in meeting client needs while maintaining professional boundaries.
8. Demonstrated ability to function as a member of a team.
9. Demonstrated ability to appropriately interact with and support people experiencing trauma.
10. Satisfactory response to criminal and child abuse and neglect history background checks.
11. A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate a motor vehicle expected.
12. CPR and First Aid certification required.

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. Other appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.