ADVOCATE Position Summary:
The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Advocate provides trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, case management, and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other crimes. Services may be provided in the Family Resource Center, Residential Shelter, hospitals, community settings, or other agency programs as assigned.
The Advocate works collaboratively with clients to assess needs, develop individualized safety and service plans, provide emotional support, facilitate access to community resources, and advocate on behalf of clients to promote safety, empowerment, and self-sufficiency. This position requires flexibility and may include evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call assignments.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions
- Conduct comprehensive client assessments, safety plans, and individualized service plans in accordance with agency standards and required timeframes.
- Provide trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management services to clients.
- Advocate for clients within medical, legal, criminal justice, housing, employment, educational, and social service systems.
- Assist clients in accessing community resources, including housing, healthcare, counseling, legal services, transportation, employment, education, financial assistance, and other supportive services.
- Maintain regular contact with clients and provide ongoing follow-up services to assist them in achieving their goals and maintaining safety.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation, including assessments, safety plans, service plans, case notes, referrals, releases, and other required records.
- Participate in crisis response services, including hotline coverage, hospital accompaniment, and on-call advocacy assignments, as scheduled.
- Facilitate educational, support, and psychoeducational groups utilizing trauma-informed and best-practice intervention models.
- Participate in staff meetings, case staffing, trainings, program reviews, and multidisciplinary meetings.
- Maintain knowledge of community resources, victim rights, applicable Texas laws, and agency policies related to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, and other victim services.
- Assist with data collection, statistics, grant reporting requirements, and program documentation.
- Perform general office duties, including answering telephones, scheduling appointments, filing, scanning, data entry, and other administrative responsibilities.
- Notify appropriate staff of any facility, technology, or equipment concerns.
- Cross-train in residential and non-residential advocacy services to ensure continuity of client care.
- Assist with community outreach, presentations, trainings, and awareness activities as assigned.
- Assist with supervision and coordination of volunteers and interns, as assigned.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all client and agency information.
- Comply with all agency policies and procedures, grant requirements, ethical standards, and applicable federal and state laws.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer applications.
- Valid Texas driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.
- Ability to pass a Criminal History Background Check.
- Successfully complete required Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate training and certification within agency-established timeframes.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and victim advocacy.
- Knowledge of Texas laws related to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and victim rights.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with clients, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to maintain accurate documentation and confidential records.
- Ability to facilitate educational presentations and support groups.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a team member.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic databases.
- Willingness to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments as required.
Physical Requirements
- Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to travel throughout the community for meetings, hospital accompaniment, court proceedings, outreach activities, and client services.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, printers, and copiers.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned to meet the operational needs of the agency. During periods of increased demand or emergency response, staff may be required to assist in areas outside of their regularly assigned responsibilities.
Pay: $16.35 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
