Domestic Violence Advocate

NOW HIRING - Currently 1-2 openings for highly qualified/motivated applicants.

New starting wages at $17.50 and up, for Full-time and Part-time permanent positions, depending on experience and qualifications such as a college degree or certifications.  Excellent benefits package which includes paid time off, 13 paid holidays per year, annual and Christmas bonuses, Medical/Dental/Vision insurances, HSA with company match, Gym access, wellness benefits, advancement opportunities, paid training, and more!

Job Summary:

The FV Advocate provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, dating violence, and stalking. Under the direction of the FVS Director, the Domestic Violence Advocate is responsible for providing direct services to victims/survivors of domestic violence – this includes education, emotional support, and assistance with locating/utilizing resources. The DV Advocate may accompany victims/survivors to court. They will also play a vital role in community outreach - contacting organizations, such as criminal justice or social service agencies, to get help or information for victims. DV Advocate will help facilitate the efforts to provide support groups, in-person counseling, and provide direct and indirect case management, and crisis intervention.

This position will interact with clients both inside and outside of the Shelter.  The successful candidate will possess empathy for victims of multiple forms of abuse.  The candidate will listen and speak to the victim in a non-judgmental and caring manner.  The Advocate will provide a variety of advocacy services to assist the victim.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Participate in program activities, staff meetings, coalition meetings, and training regularly as directed by their supervisor.
2. Maintain client and SHC personnel confidentiality.
3. As needed, provide case management, crisis intervention, and legal/court advocacy services.
4. Maintain accurate records of activities and provide monthly/quarterly reports including, resident files, record keeping, and assisting with statistical information, as required by supervisor or director.
5. Maintain a professional work environment at the center and conduct all client services in a professional manner.
6. Providing a protective and caring environment for victims including women, children, and men at the shelter.
7. Networking and making referrals to appropriate agencies.
8. Advocacy for clients includes:
9. Attending and advocating in civil and criminal justice proceedings
10. Providing for safety and medical issues to include transportation, inpatient/outpatient services, attending medical appointments, etc.
11. Assisting with income maintenance and job services to include training in areas such as job search, resume building, interview, and professional development.
12. Assist with housing and other social services as appropriate.
13. Provide appropriate follow-up and documentation of emergency incidents or non-compliance with rules.
14. Interviewing and admitting clients according to FV Shelter policies.
15. Answering telephones and managing the crisis line in a supportive manner.
16. Professionally working with clients in crisis situations.
17. Assisting clients in identifying their options and services available to them.
18. Transporting clients and their children as directed.
19. Demonstrates communication skills with interactions with victims, other staff members, supervisors, and outside agencies.
20. May work 40+ hours per week as required to meet the needs of SHC and its mission.
21. Provides other services and work duties, as needed, to meet the needs of the Sacred Heart Center and its ability to carry out its mission.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• A Minimum High School diploma or GED is required.
• A degree in Social Work or a related field preferred
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Previous experience as an advocate or client social services preferred.
• Knowledge of the cultural and social patterns of the population we serve

Skills & Abilities:

• Must work well with persons of varied of sexual preferences, racial, ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic backgrounds, and with individuals who are differently abled.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to use various Microsoft Office Applications.
• Must have average written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to successfully complete various training requirements as assigned.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of valid South Dakota driver’s license.
• Be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Able to Pass Pre-Employment screening including child abuse/neglect Central Registry, criminal background check, and drug testing. The following may disqualify any applicant from consideration:
  • Any felony conviction
  • Any domestic violence violations, convictions, or restraints
  • Any violations, convictions, or restraints for actions made against children or vulnerable adults
  • Any false, untrue statements or material omissions in the application or related paperwork or during the selection process.

Physical Conditions:

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Will work primarily in an office environment with controlled temperature and noise level.
• Occasionally, employee will work outside in varying temperatures and use company vehicles in various road and weather conditions.
• May be exposed to unknown physical, medical, emotional, or mental conditions of clients to include men, women, and children.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours and rotating shifts, including regular weekend, evening, or night shifts as required to meet the workload and client levels.

Physical Requirements:

• Physically able to clean the office area and shelter to include common areas, apartments, and storage. This may include, but is not limited to:
• The use of household or institutional cleaning chemicals
• Exposure to dust, grime, body-borne fluids, pathogens, etc.
• Physically scrubbing, wiping, sweeping, standing, kneeling, squatting, crawling, or other position necessary to ensure sanitary safety and cleanliness.
• Must have a current certificate or successfully complete CPR and First Aid training within the first two months of employment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
• The ability to remain alert to the surroundings and soundly make quick decisions to maintain the safety of staff and clients.
• Sit or stand for extended periods up to or exceeding 8 hours per day.
• Physically assist with the occasional unloading of freight and stock inventory.

EEO Statement:

“The Sacred Heart Center, Inc. of South Dakota, while holding to our Catholic roots and beliefs, believes that all individuals are entitled to equal employment opportunities and shall provide equal opportunity employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or any other nonperformance factors. It is the position of Sacred Heart Center that all employment decisions be based on qualifications for the job and the ability to satisfy requirements established for each position that are reasonable and necessary.”

Native American/Alaskan Native Preference:

“The Sacred Heart Center, Inc. of South Dakota, located on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation and primarily providing services to Native and Indigenous peoples and communities within the boundaries of the Reservation, strives to provide Native American hiring preference whenever possible. In compliance with federal law and to best serve our clients, Sacred Heart Center will provide a hiring preference, whenever reasonably appropriate, to Native American/Alaskan Native applicants who meet the minimum qualification of the job, the best interest of our clients, and company mission."

Request for Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants have the right under the Americans with Disabilities Act to request reasonable accommodations during the application process to ensure equal access to available positions. To request reasonable accommodations, please contact Sacred Heart Center for referral to Human Resources: apply@shconline.org or 605-964-6062.

At-Will Statement

This application is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment. If hired, employment is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party per South Dakota Codified Law 60-4-4.

Information Release and Attestations

By completing this application for employment, I attest that the facts set forth in my application for employment are true and complete.  I further certify that I, the undersigned applicant, have personally completed this application, or have used necessary assistance and I affirm that the information was entered as I have requested.  I understand that if employed, false statements or omissions on this application shall be considered sufficient cause for dismissal.  Upon any offer of employment, I hereby authorize Sacred Heart Center (SHC) to make any investigation of my personal history and financial and credit record through any investigative or credit agencies of their choice.  In completing this application for employment, I authorize SHC to make an investigative consumer report whereby information is obtained through personal interviews with my neighbors, friends, or others with whom I am acquainted.  I understand that any inquiries made may include information as to my character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living.  I understand that I have the right to make a written request within a reasonable period of time to receive additional, detailed information about the nature and scope of any such investigative report.