Crisis Advocate

Organization: Centers Against Violence, formerly Women's Aid in Crisis

Job title: Crisis Advocate

Position: Full-time

Location: Elkins, West Virginia

Wage: $13.00/hr - increased to $14.00 after probationary period ends

Training provided: On site - 40 hour minimum

Travel required: Yes (local)

HR Contact: Jennifer "JJ" Johnson, MSW, LGSW

Position Description:

At Centers Against Violence Crisis Advocates provide immediate crisis intervention and other related services to adult and child survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, human trafficking, etc. As such they must be cross trained in both domestic violence and sexual assault services. Crisis Advocates and all other employees are required to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality in our communications with survivors. Centers Against Violence is a 24/7/365 operation, therefore we must have staff on site at all times. Crisis Advocates are primarily based out of our shelter and will perform a majority of their job duties from there, with the exception of some community awareness events. The schedule is created monthly and Crisis Advocates are required to work all 3 different shifts at any given time: the morning shift (8am-4pm), evening shift (4pm-12am), and night shift (12am-8am). Weekend shifts are 12 hours with 1 Advocate covering its entirety (8am-8pm/8pm-8am). On and off site trainings are provided as well and required to ensure we are doing everything we can for survivors.

All employees holding the position must be able to perform the following essential position duties described, however, these duties may be subject to modification in order to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Centers Against Violence is a non-profit and equal opportunity employer.

Position Duties:

The following are some of the essential job functions. This is not meant to imply that these are the only requirements as other duties may be assigned by the supervisor.

• Provide on-site coverage for shelter and hotline program.
• Ensure that a victim centered and trauma informed approach is used in all levels of services.
• Work with diverse populations (clients and allied agencies) in a culturally informed manner.
• Ensure survivor safety in ways including but not limited to developing safety plans and completing lethality assessments.
• Complete weekly service plans with in-shelter survivors.
• Assist with in-shelter survivor needs, such as medication, personal care items, etc.
• Ensure survivors are informed of their rights and that their rights are upheld.
• Provide information on survivors’ legal rights and protections.
• Make referrals to appropriate service providers.
• Provide emotional support to survivors.
• Hold weekly client meetings with in-shelter survivors.
• Assist survivors in applying for/checking the status of compensation benefits among many other community and government resources.
• Facilitate a variety of groups for survivors residing in shelter.
• Provide emergency room accompaniment as needed.
• Help survivors find shelter; provide transportation as needed.
• Attend emergency, magistrate, family, and final court hearings if requested.
• Notify survivors of a perpetrators release from jail or from corrections as needed.
• Educate survivors of the stages of the criminal justice system, assisting in completing paperwork if requested, and notifying them of changes in case status.
• Serve as a liaison between prosecutors, law enforcement, and court, as well as out in the community.
• Complete database entries and required grant/agency paperwork in a timely manner.
• Provide awareness activities to the community.
• Attend team meetings as required.
• Be flexible to travel, sometimes staying overnight, for trainings.
• Attend a minimum of 8 hours of approved trainings per year.
• Other duties as assigned.

Political activity is prohibited.

Crisis Advocates are supervised by the Shelter Manager.

Position Qualifications:

Physical:

Requires prolonged standing or sitting. Requires frequent bending, stooping, or stretching. Requires lifting up to 50 pounds. Requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. Requires the ability to distinguish letters and symbols. Requires some climbing of ladders for changing light bulbs and making beds.

Mental:

Concentrated mental and or visual activity is required for gathering information and handling clients, verbal communication skills, reading, and writing. The employee must respond to emergency situations in a calm, professional manner.

Environmental:

Work is performed in an office environment. Frequent exposure to contagious diseases from infectious clients, exposure to electrical current from equipment in area. Exposure to atmospheric hazards such as dust, odors, poor ventilation and fumes.

Equipment:

Requires the use of office equipment, such as computers, telephones, copiers, fax machines, calculators, etc.

Minimum Education:

High School diploma or GED; continued education is preferred but not required.

Minimum Experience:

Experience and training in victim services field is preferred but not required.

Skills:

Drivers license required; Ability to become efficient in use of required technology.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $13.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person