POSITION TITLE: Advocate
JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Union, Benefitted
PROGRAM(S): Housing
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Director and/or Designee
SUMMARY:
Since its founding as a teen drop-in center in 1972, Community Solutions (CS) has grown in both depth and breadth of services in response to the growing and changing needs in the community. As one of the most comprehensive nonprofit human services agencies in Santa Clara County and the surrounding areas, CS provides prevention, intervention, treatment, and residential services to more than 6,400 clients annually, helping them overcome the challenges posed by mental health issues, substance abuse, trauma, severe family dysfunction, sexual and domestic violence, and human trafficking.
Under the general supervision of the Program Manager and/or designee, the Advocate in Solutions to Violence Division plays a crucial role in delivering culturally responsive advocacy, case management to survivors of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and/or providing educational prevention programs to the community. The Advocate responds to in-person crisis calls within the community, offering crisis intervention, safety planning, information, and referral support. The Advocate proactively engages potential clients, increasing awareness about gender-based violence, and fosters collaborative relationships with community partners to support best client care. Services are provided throughout Santa Clara County and San Benito County.
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess the Following Qualifications and Knowledge:
Did you know that research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications? Please understand that no one ever meets 100% of the capabilities. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply. This might be the right next role for you if you have:
Education and Experience:
Required:
- High School diploma or GED and two (2) years’ experience working with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or human trafficking, providing prevention services, or related field.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree or four (4) years direct service experience in a related field or past lived experience with the ability to provide services as a survivor of personal trauma.
- One year or more experience in a professional office environment.
- The individual will preferably be bilingual and bicultural.
Knowledge:
Required:
Direct services Advocate:
- Empowerment, advocacy, and support techniques for victims/survivors of violence, people with mental illness or substance abuse issues required.
- Must possess an understanding of intimate partner abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking, and issues of violence against women.
Prevention services Advocate:
- Must possess comfort and the ability to present in front of large groups and engage with community members of all ages and backgrounds.
- Be outgoing and personable – directly engage with others.
- Passionate about stopping violence, creating leaders, and making impactful changes.
Preferred:
- Working knowledge of wellness and recovery concepts.
- Working knowledge of community resources in Santa Clara County and surrounding areas.
- Knowledge of case management, peer counseling, community resources, and referrals.
Special Requirements: Must be able to receive a criminal records clearance as required by specific programs, licensing regulations and Community Solutions practices. Position requires an automobile to perform daily routine job duties. Completion of 75-hours Intimate Partner Abuse/Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking (IPA/SA/HT) training upon hire or within 6 months of employment.
License: Possess a valid California driver’s license, current car insurance and a good driving record as documented by a DMV report and consistent with the Agency’s liability insurance requirements.
What You'll Be Doing in the role of Advocate: The following are examples of essential job duties for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned to support the program and Agency.
- Advocate (direct services) serves as the primary contact for assigned clients and works directly with the Intimate Partner Abuse/Sexual Assault/Human Trafficking (IPA/SA/HT) team to implement, monitor and support safety, well-being, and autonomy of victims/survivors of abuse.
- Advocate (direct services) conducts screening, intake and assessments as required. Assesses clients’ needs and goals to determine appropriate resources, including the referral to professional services without delay.
- Advocate (direct services) provides crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, case management, and referral services for assigned individuals and families.
- Advocate (direct services) assesses clients’ needs to determine appropriate resources, including the referral to professional services without delay. Coordinates services with other advocacy programs, the legal system, other community-based providers, and informal supporters as needed.
- Advocate (direct services) provides assistance with obtaining housing, developing life skills/income, and achieving greater self-determination.
- Advocate (direct services) provides guidance, extensive support, and resources to families who are currently dealing with homelessness, substance use, mental health, and gender-based violence issues.
- Advocate (direct services) participates in on-call and after hour’s rotation, as assigned.
- Advocates on behalf of abuse and/or exploitation survivors with systems, institutions, agencies and at community meetings.
- Completes detailed program documents in accordance with agency, program, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintains all charts within Agency and Solutions to Violence Division regulations.
- Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, HIPAA regulations, and personal boundaries.
- Maintains excellent customer service skills with internal and external customers.
- Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with appropriate community organizations and system providers, based on client and program needs.
- Employee must have the ability to operate their personal or Agency motor vehicle to participate in client visits, provide daily transportation of clients and/or other assigned Agency business.
- Responds to phone calls and emails within 24 hours on business days unless extenuating circumstances exist. Resolve outstanding issues collaboratively using strength-based solutions focused approach.
- Attends and participates in Agency meetings and contributes to continuous quality improvement activities to enhance team and program development.
- Consistently uses strength-based and solution focused problem-solving skills.
- Successfully completes all training requirements for this position to ensure agency and contract compliance.
- Flexible schedule may be required to work some early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
- Performs first aid as needed based on training and certification.
- In addition to the above, the Advocate (prevention services), duties will consist of:
- Facilitate individual, group, community meetings, trainings, and forums on the issues of violence prevention.
- Leading various activities on school campuses and at community events.
- Coordinate events, prepare surveys and data, and launch events.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
Community Solutions is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are a team of dedicated professionals with backgrounds as diverse as the impact we achieve. We are committed to diversity in our workforce and equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Working at Community Solutions:
Community Solutions offers a competitive and comprehensive hourly rate of $28.78, a generous employee benefits package, and encourages a strong work-life balance. We believe in supporting the whole person by providing:
- 100% of premiums paid by employer for full-time employees and eligible dependent children
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% employer match
- 3-weeks paid vacation to start
- 13 paid holidays; 96 sick hours per year (inclusive of self-care/mental health days)
- Longevity bonuses
- Generous family medical leave for eligible employees
- Student Loan Forgiveness Program
- Staff learning and development and robust in-house training opportunities
- Employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resource Group
Physical Requirements:
Different positions may require specific physical capacities that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordinator; lift and move objects weighing up to 25lbs; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.
Work Environment and Location: This position is located within commutable distance to our Gilroy headquarters or San Jose office and is open to a hybrid work schedule, with occasional needs to be able to travel into our offices and work in the evenings or weekends.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by specific programs, licensing regulations and Community Solutions practices.
- License: Possess a valid California driver’s license, current car insurance and a good driving record as documented by a DMV report and consistent with the Agency’s liability insurance requirements.
- Requires an automobile to perform routine job duties.
- COVID-19 Vaccination: Please note that Community Solutions has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination policy to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and clients. As a condition of employment, Community Solutions employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a reasonable accommodation is approved or as otherwise required by law.
Note: This job description outlines primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but is not intended to be a comprehensive description of job responsibilities. We expect each employee to offer their services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of our endeavors.
All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently.
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work directly as an employee for any employer in the United States without visa sponsorship.
