Per Diem Advocate

Per Diem Advocate

Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Inc. provides 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 Programs and ultimately accountable to the Executive Director.

Non-Exempt, Bargaining. Hours per month - based on availability and shifts picked up.

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

• Provide client intake and assessment, including sheltering women 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
• May serve as a member of the 24-hour hotline back-up rotation if desired
• Provide Coverage to the Holiday Schedule
• Provide clients with information and referral to community services and resources
• Advocate with outside systems regarding clients' needs
• Facilitate support/education groups
• Other services as deemed necessary
• 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

At least two years of higher education (college or equivalent) OR a combination of education and relevant work experience totaling two years

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

Weekend shifts are left open for guaranteed hours, other open shifts will be released as available

Additional shifts may be available to pick up, and staff may be contacted for back-up coverage as needed. This role offers flexibility and is well-suited for someone looking to support the team on a part-time or occasional basis. This position will require availability for flexible hours as needed to meet the needs of the organization.

Mandatory Training:
All new hires must complete Certification online- unpaid

• 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.