POSITION TITLE: Advocate STATUS: Exempt, FT GRADE: 3

DEPT: SVSS/CVRSS PROGRAM: Advocacy and Crisis Intervention

REPORTS TO: Manager-Advocacy & Crisis Intervention Services SUPERVISES: N/A SALARY: $48,600

SUMMARY: The Advocate provides the support needed by survivors of violent crimes that enables them to make informed decisions regarding issues which range from reporting of the assault through treatment choices, etc. The Advocate is responsible for providing crisis intervention for the survivors and their significant others and provides various means of on-going support. The Advocate engages in community relationships to promote knowledge and collaborations. The Advocate actively supports the promotion of synergy across YWCA programs and in Racial Justice work.

COLLABORATES WITH: Collaborations exist with the Manager - Advocacy & Crisis Intervention Services; SVSS staff members at the location and at other sites; other YWCA staff members; and community partners.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Services: Participate in the provision of on-call services during the work-day, overnight and weekends. Provide all member services to victims of violent crimes and their non-offending significant others. Participate in the provision of twenty-four hour telephone, and in-person, crisis intervention services. Provide initial and on-going support to members; provide victim, referral, and advocacy information by telephone hotline; provide information through medical and criminal justice programs. Represent the YWCA by maintaining professional standards and ethics.

Community Training & Institutional Advocacy: Develop and implement professional training for medical, criminal justice and social service personnel, regarding non-judgmental service provision to victims of violent crimes. Promote and encourage community sensitivity to violence within the community. Conduct presentations and training for community groups and other organizations. Interact with first responders in the community to develop and to implement victim-centric policies.

Administrative Tasks: Complete required statistical reports. Maintain records for all relevant areas of direct service and volunteer program.

Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Retention: Participate in the coordination and supervision of volunteer programs, including volunteer recruitment and screening; training, development, and continuing education; and scheduling. Maintain volunteer group records; conduct exit interviews as required. Develop and sustain recognition programs for Volunteers.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: May participate in the provision of prevention education through agency programs. Assist in the planning and implementation of special events and/or programs. May be required or invited to participate in state-wide coalition meetings.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: Other duties outside of the responsibilities of the position may be assigned, whether for a project, special needs task or other assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of six months to a year of experience working in sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, gang violence, gun violence or other trauma-related services is required; a longer period of experience is preferred. Previous training in sexual assault and/or related issues is preferred. Experience as an employee, or as a volunteer, for other nonprofit organization(s) is advantageous.