Job Description:
Summary: The Client Advocate at Peaceworks, Inc. provides direct service to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other relationship violence. Key focus will be supporting the daily operations and services of the Safe Survivors and SafePets programs, providing crisis intervention and case management services, and working to ensure the safety and security of shelter residents and other agency non-residential clients.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide crisis intervention, initial need and safety assessments, information and referrals, and assist with devising safety plans to individuals referred by the PeaceWorks’ 24-hour hotline.
- Complete assessments and intakes as applicable for individuals seeking access to the Safe Shelter.
- Assure that all callers and clients who are crime victims receive information about Victims Rights, Victim Compensation and appropriate assistance in accessing emergency shelter, as applicable.
- Assure the safety, security and physical nourishment of shelter and SafePets program participants.
- Assure the general safety, security, cleanliness and hygiene of the shelter environment.
- Provide case management, safety planning, emergency and short-term counseling, occasionally client transportation, advocacy, and other supportive services for clients.
- Coordinate client access and work with partners to assist with Victim Compensation, protective orders, attorney and legal assistance, court and legal appointments, food stamps and public services, child care, transportation, counseling services, parenting education, and other services as applicable.
- Accompany clients to court and assist Victim Assistance Program clients in understanding and participating in the criminal justice system as needed.
- Provide mobile advocacy, meeting survivors wherever it is safe and convenient for the survivor.
- Respond to client and facility needs including urgent and emergency situations.
- Assist Victim Assistance Program clients in setting realistic and achievable goals related to housing, education, employment, self-empowerment, and exit from the program and other individual and family goals as applicable. Monitor goal achievement progress and adjust service plans as necessary.
- Facilitate house meetings, fire and evacuation drills, and shelter safety orientation for shelter residents.
- Document and submit data related to client interaction, client survey results, goal progress information and other documentation requirements in a timely manner.
- Practice financial stewardship by ensuring the facility, equipment, and supplies are maintained in good repair and the program is within budget requirements.
Perform other duties related to the Shelter Advocate position and PeaceWorks in general as assigned.
ADDITIONAL AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Adhere to PeaceWorks’ policies and procedures.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings, staff and board retreats, and other agency meetings.
- Preserve confidentiality and privacy of all client, staff, volunteer and agency information.
- Research and/or gather resources to directly assist clients and/or to perform job.
- Maintain professional, effective relationships with all collaborative partners, grantors, PeaceWorks colleagues, volunteers, community members, and members of the general public.
- Participate in at least 20 hours of continuing education, in-service training and other educational learning opportunities related to the job functions annually.
- Represent the agency in a positive, professional manner at all times.
- Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients, volunteers and PeaceWorks colleagues.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university plus experience in social work, women’s studies, psychology, sociology or a similar field, preferably with a non-profit organization, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge and experience requirements.
- Experience in crisis intervention and/or services for domestic violence survivors preferred.
- Experience in residential settings preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other intimate partner violence.
- Knowledge of or ability to learn about Federal and Colorado regulations and statutes protecting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other intimate partner violence.
- Knowledge of or ability to learn about Protective Orders, Victims Rights and Victim Compensation.
- Ability to use or learn to use Microsoft Office applications, online storage applications, email, and internet applications.
- Client advocacy and service skills.
- Flexible, non-judgmental attitude toward victims of domestic violence and sexual assault required.
- Ability to work well independently and as a team member.
- CPR and First Aid certifications preferred.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Employee must be available to work on when needed including weekends and evenings.
- Current driver’s license and appropriate insurance.
- Must pass Criminal Background check.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The job requires mobility sufficient to perform office and administrative tasks, ascend and descend stairs, drive, and move between office locations; eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment; normal range of hearing, eyesight and ability to record, prepare, and make electronic, verbal, and written communications; ability to talk, hear, sit for long periods, stoop, bend, and stretch; use hands to finger, handle or feel; perform light office and shelter cleaning tasks such as sweeping, wiping counters and sinks, and tidying; occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work will be conducted primarily at the Safe Shelter (location private) and/or the Administrative offices in Conifer. Some work and meetings may occur at off-site locations.
Reports to: Lead Advocate
Position Type: Part-time (24 hours/week) up to Full-time (32 hours/week)
Compensation: $24-$27.00 per hour DOE
Benefits: Eligible for benefits including wellness stipend, pro-rated vacation and sick time, and fringe benefits
Hours: Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays. Some flexibility necessary according to the needs for shelter coverage. Flexibility for occasional evening hours will be required. Schedule will be coordinated with the Lead Advocate and other direct service staff.
This job description reflects the principal functions of the purpose for the purpose of job evaluation. It should not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements of the job nor should it be interpreted to give exclusive responsibility for every function described.
PeaceWorks is an Equal Opportunity Employer
