Community Advocate
Position Summary:
The Community Advocate is responsible for providing case management for survivors of domestic violence, which includes providing information about crime victims’ rights, crisis stabilization, safety planning, law enforcement and victim advocacy, assisting in securing stable housing, assisting in identifying and securing employment, and service planning in support of recovery and self-sufficiency. This position will also facilitate support groups, provide referrals, and conduct trainings for community partners throughout Pinellas County. .
Education/Training (or equivalent): 0 H.S. Degree 1 College Degree* 0 Certification/License*
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Core Competency certification preferred.
Experience (Type of work experience, min. number of years):
• 2+ years of experience in domestic violence field preferred.
Technical or Administrative Knowledge:
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Productivity Tools (MS Word, Excel, outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work with people in crisis and deescalate situations using verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
• Excellent public speaking skills and ability to provide training in formal and informal settings.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and have reliable transportation.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship on the company may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as long as that would not hinder or prevent performance of duties, or be of a safety concern.
Key to denote % of time requirements necessary to perform essential functions of this job.
0% = Zero (O) 1-35% = Little (L) 36-70% = Moderate (M) 71-100% = Great (G)
- Physical Requirements: 0 Light: Lifting 0-10 lbs. 1 Moderate: Lifting 0-25 lbs. 0 Heavy: Lifting 25+ lbs.
L – Bending/stooping
L – Reaching above/below the waist
L – Pushing/pulling movements
L – Climbing stairs / ladders L – Kneeling
L – Lifting
L – Operate motor vehicle
L – Operate various equipment
M – Standing
M – Sitting
M – Walking
G –Typing
G – Fine hand & finger movements
G – Color / Depth perception
- Working Conditions and Schedules:
O - Exposed at times to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, and vibration.
L - Exposed to various noise levels (L= private office, M= showroom/service area, G= jackhammer/metal works/heavy equipment)
M - Available to works nights, weekends and holidays.
G - Interacting with co-workers, vendors, and customers.
G - Office machines, phones, fax, computers, postage meter, etc.
- Necessary traits for this position: 1 Seeing 1 Hearing 1 Talking* 1 Reading* 1Writing*
0 Basic comprehension of English language using the traits* marked above for purposes of safety, management direction and job responsibility, and minimal third party interaction.
General
• Follow the administrative guidelines and policies established by HVA.
• Maintain a community image consistent with the HVA mission.
• Engage in a relationship with the HVA team, which is proactive, mutually beneficial, fosters teamwork, and advances the mission of HVA.
• Exercise due care and stewardship of resources which are given to HVA including equipment, food, money, and volunteer and staff time.
• Oversee the general physical environment for health, safety, and proper maintenance of facilities.
Advocacy and Case Management
• Provide comprehensive case management, which includes providing information about crime victims’ rights, crisis stabilization, safety planning, law enforcement and victim advocacy, assisting in securing stable housing, assisting in identifying and securing employment, and service planning in support of recovery and self-sufficiency.
• Provide referrals and assistance regularly at local community partner agencies.
• Facilitate support groups to empower survivors of domestic violence to obtain their goals, such as employment and securing affordable housing.
• Collaborate with community agencies including, but not limited to, local literacy programs, career centers, Job Links, Dress for Success programs and local libraries.
• Conduct extensive outreach in the community so that survivors will be connected with local literacy programs, GED programs, English as a Second Language programs, and other identified referral sources.
• Assist survivors with completing injunctions for protection at the Pinellas County courts.
Program Support
• Regularly update team members regarding resource listings and the status of participants receiving or soon to be receiving services.
• Update participant files weekly.
• Collect, organize, and enter data into appropriate formats for the WS database and other funders’ databases weekly.
• Develop self-knowledge of issues domestic violence, laws, policies, and case histories.
• Participate in training opportunities including: the mandatory 24 hour Core Training and 6 shadowing hours to be registered for confidentiality and privilege; maintain 17 hours of domestic violence training per year.
• Attend staff meetings and local community meetings.
Community Relations
• Collaborate with other organizations and groups within the community to build partnerships and enhance fundraising activities.
• Assist in planning and coordinating events meant to raise funds (sanctioned events, community events, etc).
• Provide staff support at events, as needed.
Advancement/Community Relations:
• Collaborate with other organizations and groups within the community to build partnerships and enhance fundraising activities.
• Assist in planning and coordinating events meant to raise funds (sanctioned events, community events, etc).
• Provide staff support at events, as needed.
Other
• Assist with other duties as assigned.
POSITION IS ONSITE