Qualifications

Full-Time Third Shift Advocate

To provide support, advocacy, safety planning and educational services to adult victims of domestic violence who come to the domestic violence program for sheltered and/or non-sheltered services. This position is to be carried out while empowering victims with respect to their safety and their right to self-determination.

Advocate positions will be supervised by the Director of Operations or Director of Programs and ultimately accountable to the Executive Director.

Non-Exempt, Bargaining, 40 hours per week.

Areas of Responsibility

This position requires work assignments and responsibilities such as, but not limited to:

Provide client intake and assessment, including sheltering women, men and families in accordance with agency protocols

Assist clients in developing individualized safety plans including: plans for leaving, for staying and for long-range planning

Assist parents in developing safety plans which include their children

Provide individual domestic violence counseling and advocacy

Provide coverage to 24-hour domestic violence hotline

Serve as a member of the 24-hour hotline back-up rotation

Provide clients with information and referral to community services and resources

Advocate with outside systems regarding clients' needs

Facilitate support/education groups

Provide written educational information to adult clients about domestic violence, its effects on victims, as well as its effects on children

Provide to adult clients a state and local listing of available resources

Provide information regarding state victim compensation resources

Maintain accurate service records and submit all required statistics in accordance with agency due dates

Attend and participate in regular meetings called by MWC, CCADV and other meetings as scheduled, including training programs developed for Advocates

Must uphold privileged communication of clients and all responsibilities of mandatory reporting

Provide peer coverage to critical tasks such as court-based family violence victim advocacy as needed

Maintain vacant shelter rooms for immediate occupancy

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or eight years (8) years experience in related field. A combination of an Associate's Degree plus four (4) years of experience will be considered.

Comprehensive working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.

Commitment to working with domestic violence victims and their children to develop a plan for their safety and preserve their right to self-determination.

Effective oral and written communication skills

Ability to gather, consolidate and present client information through interviews

Knowledge of community resources

Ability to work effectively with both traditional and non-traditional systems

Ability to maintain service records, complete accurate statistical and narrative reports and submit in accordance with due dates

Must obtain and maintain certification as battered women's counselor, as per CGS 52-146k

Schedule: 40 hours per week, primarily Monday-Friday 12am-8am. This position will require some flexible hours to meet the needs of the organization.

Special Requirements

This position requires periodic travel. A valid driver's license and current certificate of insurance is required for personnel who may travel in their scope of service to Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis. Criminal, Department of Children and Families and Department of Motor Vehicles background checks are required for all staff to confirm suitability for employment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Stand/Sit – Stationary Position Must be able to remain in a stationary position for approximately 50% of the time.

Walk/Move/Traverse Occasionally moves about inside the office and residential buildings to access file cabinets, office equipment, and other areas.

Use of Hands/Fingers – Operate/Inspect/Position Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a telephone, printer, copier, and calculator.

Climb or Balance – Ascend/Descend/Traverse Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders, including daily stair use and occasional ladder use to service lights or ceiling fans.

Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl – Position Self/Move Frequently required to stoop or kneel to maintain files, work with small children, or complete related tasks.

Talk/Hear – Communicate/Exchange Information Must be able to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information with clients, staff, and others.

See – Observe/Assess/Inspect Must have the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet).

Carry/Lift – Move/Transport/Position Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds between offices and residential buildings. May also assist with event setup and takedown.

Work Environment – Indoor/Outdoor Conditions The role involves exposure to both indoor and outdoor environments, including variable weather conditions.