Domestic Violence Shelter Advocate

Description:

Responsible for ensuring effective delivery of the DV–Net Shelter services. This position will support DV clients, providing guidance on an individual basis to discuss challenges and set goals to overcome barriers in their journey for independence and a life free of threats and abuse.

Requirements:

Education/Qualifications:

• Associates Degree in Human Services preferred; minimum High School Diploma or GED required, and 1-year relevant experience working with clients of domestic violence. (Relevant work experience could include volunteer work experience with clients of domestic violence and/or in the direct provision of human services.)
• Domestic Violence training per program regulations required within 30 days of hire, Topics to include 1.) The dynamics of family violence; 2.) Child abuse reporting requirements; 3.) Confidentiality issues; 4.) Legal remedies; and 5.) Community resources and services.
• Proven ability to thrive in an independent, self-guided manner.
• Ability to practice poise, tact and diplomacy in all interactions, verbal and/or written.
• Working knowledge of basic computer software, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record.

Key job functions:

• Conduct client admissions and discharges, in keeping with agency and DV program protocol; complete all necessary forms and documentation associated with these processes.
• Upon admission, begin discharge planning by establishing clients’ desired housing level and current level of function ability.
• Interact with various authorities and professionals on behalf of the client, all in accordance with HIPAA guidelines and agency policy.
• Make available a full range of services to include transportation, 24 hr. crisis outreach services, case management, service linkages, apartment searches, set-up and household moves, client advocacy, landlord negotiations, support groups.
• Meet regularly with clients on an individual basis to discuss their challenges and work toward overcoming barriers.
• Maintain complete, accurate and confidential client records and statistical data of service(s) provided.
• Serve as a positive role model for the client, always interacting in a positive, productive, professional manner with successful and obtainable outcomes as the driving force.
• Educate on the dynamics of domestic violence, the patterns of abuse and the means to break free from an abusive situation.
• Assist with the creation and facilitation of applicable topic materials for weekly support groups.
• Assist with childcare responsibilities for the children of in-shelter clients when necessary.
• Coordinate and implement age-appropriate recreational activities for the children of in-shelter clients.
• Maintain a safe and clean recreational area/program for the children of in-shelter clients.
• In coordinated effort with ALL shelter staff ensure cleanliness of residence, this will include but not limited to: ALL common areas, kitchen, bathrooms, small and large appliance, children’s playroom, exterior playground, landscape, and walkways.
• Provide follow-up services to nonresidential families as the need related to domestic abuse; assure smooth linkage to service providers.
• Establish and maintain a working relationship with service providers to assure basic needs of clients are met.
• Act as a liaison between clients, the intervention system and interagency review groups.
• Communicate to clients all safety/security procedures and assist with fire drills and safety inspections as assigned.

Arbor Housing and Development Expectations:

• Report to work on time and work your scheduled shift, except in cases of emergency.
• In the case of an emergency, contact your immediate supervisor and/or on call designee for guidance.
• Stay at the work site until a replacement arrives at no time will the DV-Net Shelter be left unstaffed.
• Adhere to AHD and DV-Net Shelter Policy and Procedures it pertains to Employee/Client boundary policy and procedure.
• Complete, clear, timely documentation
• Effectively discharge the key job functions of your job in accordance with OCFS, OVS rules and regulations, DV-Net Shelter Policy and Procedure, AHD Code of Conduct and Standard of Acceptable Behavior
• Support a Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment/Sexual Harassment free work environment, foster a respectful environment and refrain from unprofessional conduct as referenced in the Personnel Policy Manual

Physical Demands / Environment

• Bending, stretching, and standing for long periods of time
• Lift, push or pull 25 to 50 pounds.
• Required to stay awake and alert always; should avoid placing yourself in reclining, or lounging position.
• DV-Net Shelter located within Steuben County, NY (Confidential Location, not to be published)

Critical features of this job are described above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Overnight and Evening Shift