Job Description: Part-Time Domestic Violence Advocate (YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program)

JOB TITLE: Domestic Violence Advocate

JOB PURPOSE: To work as a member of a team with other domestic violence advocates, the coordinators, and the program director to assure continuous and smooth coverage of the program’s shelter facility and projects, with a focus on crisis intervention, management of day-to-day operations of the shelter, and the quality of life of victims of domestic violence. This position is part-time (12-20 hrs/week) at $8.00/hr.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provides crisis and problem solving support for persons seeking our services including those who call or drop-in as well as shelter residents
         a. Follows established protocol for crisis hotline calls, appropriately referring callers
         b. Helps assure safety of victims of perpetrators participating in the BIPP by implementing the BIPP follow up procedures
         c. Helps assure safety of persons issued a cell phone by completing needed checks on their well being and directing continuing participation in the cell phone program
2. Performs accurate and detailed intakes on residents admitted during the advocate’s shirt, and accurately completes intakes for legal aid
3. Assists clients with safety planning, life skills, child development, and parenting, coordinating approaches with other advocates and program coordinators
4. Assists services coordinator in securing needed services for clients, and participates in client relocation as needed
         a. Maintains working knowledge of social services agencies, and legal resources
         b. Assists residents with general health care needs following universal precautions as indicated
         c. Maintains accurate resident records
         d. Assists in the accurate compilation of program statistics
5. Models appropriate behaviors that extend caring and empowerment to clients while sustaining client confidentiality
6. Works with shelter coordinator to assure completion of accurate inventories and other records required for smooth and continuous operation of the shelter; and, keeps coordinator appraised of facility problems or needs
7. Works with coordinators and residents to assure shelter is kept clean and sanitary, and completes assigned chores in this regard
8. Monitors and affords security of any valuables and medications the residents ask the program to house
9. Assures residents follow fire, health, and other safety codes
10. Guides residents in following shelter rules and regulations
         a. Appraises coordinators or director of needed changes in rules and regulations
11. Assists with entry of client data as directed
12. As able, coordinates groups for shelter residents
13. Assists in training of new workers and volunteers
14. Facilitates the resolution of problems as they arise, modeling assertive behavior
15. Attends and participates in staff meetings and trainings programs
16. As able, transports clients and provides court and other advocacy when required
17. Other duties as assigned

ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports directly to the Victim Services Coordinator with accountability to the Facilities Coordinator and the Program Director

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High School Diploma or GED
2. Ability to work with diverse population
3. Sensitive to, and knowledgeable about, domestic violence issues
4. Non-judgmental and caring attitude
5. Valid driver’s license and insurance
6. Strong communication skills

TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter by March 1, 2010 to YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program, Att: Carol Carroll, 1114 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV 25301, or fax to (304) 340-3614.