POSITION SUMMARY
The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for assisting survivors in dealing with the immediate and long-term impact of victimization. The Specialist will be subject to call-out to assist in providing immediate crisis intervention to victims and witnesses of crime. Other responsibilities include: assisting survivors with victim compensation applications, completion of applications for Orders of Protection and Injunctions against Harassment, navigation of the criminal justice system, referrals to community service agencies, and assistance in exercising statutory rights. This position involves case management, referrals to community service agencies, and acting as a liaison between victims of crime, police officers, and social service agencies.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DIRECT SERVICES (65%)
· Provide crisis intervention, emotional support and guidance, advocacy services to sexual assault survivors and victims of crime as needed.
· Assist in developing and/or coordinating supportive activities to individuals and groups.
· Provide medical, criminal justice, and personal accompaniment services when requested and/or needed.
· Provide advocacy services when requested and/or needed.
· Provide direct service duties like staffing the 24-hour hotline and facilitating support groups.
· Help develop initial case plans and ongoing strategies for advocacy.
· Provide assistance in completing crime victim compensation applications.
ADMINISTRATIVE (10%)
· Maintains DOH Rape Crisis Counselor/Advocate certification via successful completion of mandatory continuing education hours.
· Keep service data, create reports about funded projects, and meet other project objectives according to grant specifications.
· Maintain case files.
· Assist in preparing monthly & quarterly statistical reports.
· Provide office coverage as assigned.
· Attend staff meetings and assist in the evaluation of the program.
· Participate in program planning.
· Assist county coordinator in developing and maintaining community-agency relations.
· Perform other duties as assigned within a team-based work environment.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (20%)
· Inform key professional groups in the community about available services for crime victims including sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and homicide.
· Inform and implement outreach plan to raise awareness about and available services for victims of crime in the community.
· Develop cooperative working relationships with other agencies and organizations.
· Plans and prepares exhibits for community events and assists in planning and promotion.
· Facilitate sexual assault prevention education to children, adolescents, and adults in schools, colleges and community-based organizations.
VOLUNTEER COORDINATION (5%)
· Assist in the recruitment, training and supervision of volunteer staff.
· Provide assistance and consultation for volunteers as needed or when requested
· Participate in volunteer evaluation.
CORE COMPETENCIES
· A demonstrated commitment to PPGNY’s mission related to bodily autonomy, health equity, and gender and racial justice
· A demonstrated commitment to learning about and enhancing practices related to racial equity and its impact on healthcare systems.
Strong relationship building and communication skills, including an ability to work and build trust across cultural differences related to related to race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and to reflect on one’s personal identity with humility.
· Ability to provide compassionate, non-judgmental and culturally responsive care across race, class, age, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin or ability; and demonstrates deep sense of accountability to patient experience
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Interpersonal
· Excellent customer service and communication skills
· Ability to remain focused and calm in stressful situations
· Excellent interpersonal and verbal skills
· Ability to develop and maintain effective, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders
· Ability to work effectively as part of team
Technical
· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
· Familiarity with Microsoft Excel
· Familiarity with Client Database.
Work Habits/Attributes
· Excellent organizational skills
· Comfortable and proficient with public speaking and facilitating curricula
· Outstanding time management skills, including the ability to work under deadline
· The ability to produce high quality work in a fast-paced environment with changing and/or competing priorities
· Ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making skills
· Ability to produce reliable, high quality work with minimal direct supervision
· Ability to exercise discretion in the handling of confidential information
· Ability to demonstrate and document evidence-based clinical judgment
· Ability to work a flexible or extended schedule, including evenings and weekends, as operational demands require
· Well-developed problem-solving and critical thinking skills