Employment

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ENHANCED SERVICES ADVOCATE

Job Description

 

PURPOSE: To provide victim services and culturally specific activities in coordination with the Dakota County Coordinated Community Response Team; responsible for providing advocacy, support and referrals to victims involved with the criminal justice system and direct emergency intervention when appropriate.

To develop and implement an effective outreach program to reach minority populations in Dakota County. Recruit, train, and coordinate direct service volunteers to assist with victim services for Spanish speaking clients. The Enhanced Services Advocate reports to and is under the supervision of the SA/DV Supervisor.

 

LOCATION:  South Sioux City (Dakota County)

STATUS:        Hourly non-exempt

Full-time (40 Hrs. /week)

Primarily business hours between 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday

Some evening/weekend work required

Occasional overnight travel

QUALIFICATIONS:

Spanish speaking, reading, and writing (preferred)

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Knowledgeable of issues related to domestic and sexual violence

Knowledgeable in the field of Criminal Justice

Excellent organizational and communication skills

Experience in public speaking

Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively

Demonstrated ability to provide absolute confidentiality

Ability to remain calm and work sensitively with clients

Demonstrated commitment & dedication to goals of Haven House

Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and vehicle required

PRIMARY DUTIES:

40% of the time is spent on providing victim services and culturally specific activities.

  • Provide enhanced advocacy services during office hours and after office hours by providing on-call support on a rotating schedule with Haven House staff (includes evenings, weekends, and holidays).
  • Respond to referrals from law enforcement and when appropriate provide immediate crisis intervention at the scene (ONLY when safe to do so).
  • Provide crisis intervention, including support, safety planning, information and referrals.
  • Provide court advocacy to victims of domestic and sexual violence. This includes explaining court system, assisting to obtain protection orders, accompany clients to court hearings and offering appropriate options.
  • Assist with coordination of and participate in CRT activities
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

40% of the time is spent on providing culturally specific crisis intervention and advocacy support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

  • Provide crisis line support services on rotation with other agency staff (includes evenings, weekends, and holidays)
  • Provide access to agency services based on needs assessment of individual client
  • Provide supportive listening and agency referrals.
  • Provide advocacy services for shelter residents
  • Conduct safety planning, case management and complete all forms (provision of services, confidentiality, etc.) and service records on all client contacts as required
  • Conduct follow-up with all clients (ONLY when safe to do so).
  • Recruit, train, and coordinate direct service volunteers (Bilingual) to assist with victim services for Spanish speaking clients

10% of time is spent on conducting outreach programs to minority populations.

  • Design and implement an annual outreach plan to address gaps in service to minority populations
  • Provide training and assistance to all agency staff on the implementation of the outreach plan to address gaps in service to minority populations
  • Translate, develop, and distribute agency materials in Spanish.
  • Target service area of Dakota County
  • Provide cultural awareness training for staff and direct service volunteers
  • Conduct awareness activities focused on reaching minority populations (targeting area schools, service providers, churches, community organizations, etc).
  • Promote awareness of victim services in Spanish language via news releases, PSA’s, and the distribution of materials to victim service agencies, churches, community organizations, and social media (Facebook)
  • Target service area of Dakota County
  • Maintain agency’s Spanish Facebook page.
  • Translate, develop, and distribute agency materials in Spanish.

5% of time is spent on networking with all victim service agencies

  • Become knowledgeable of services available.
  • Keep updated on changes or additions in area services.
  • Update all service agencies of changes in and/or additions to our services.

5% of time is spent on records management

  • Prepare reports for the agency’s respective funding source
  • Enter all client and statistical records in our data base as required.
  • Complete case management and service records on all client contacts
  • Emphasis on clear, concise, and accurate records
  • Meet the reporting deadlines as prescribed by agency and grant contracts
  • Identify gaps in service within systems (internal & external)
  • Propose new ideas and methods for enhancing current programs and new program development
  • Keep current on new methods and information pertaining to domestic violence and sexual assault
  • Assist the Executive Director with preparing the VAWA grant application
  • Adhere to all agency policies and procedures
  • Provide absolute confidentiality
  • Support policies and procedures as prescribed
  • Maintain a positive, professional working relationship with Haven House staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, members of the criminal justice system and all outside agency related contacts

OTHER DUTIES:

As assigned or requested by the Executive Director:

  • Attend staff, board, and other meetings relevant to program planning & development
  • Attend trainings and conferences
  • Assist with the enhancement/development, and implementation of programs
  • Complete other duties requested or assigned

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Please Email [email protected] your cover letter and resume for any job inquiries.