Evening Hotline Advocate

Evening Hotline Advocate

The Evening Hotline Advocate, based in the shelter administrative office, is responsible for answering all hotline calls and providing offender jail release notification services during non-office hours. In addition, this position assists in coverage of shelter shifts as needed, sits on the on-call rotation for shelter, and assists with shelter advocacy by providing direct service to residents as appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Answer the 24-hour crisis hotline, primarily during the 3:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. shift, providing immediate support and assistance to victims, witnesses, and callers.
• Assess caller needs and provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, information, referrals, and emergency response as appropriate.
• Provide information and advocacy related to victims' rights, the criminal justice system, Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, and available community resources.
• Provide individual advocacy and support to victims and witnesses navigating medical, legal, court, and other systems.
• Manage Offender Release Notification services, including eligibility screening, client registration, documentation, and coordination with Allegheny County Jail and PA SAVIN/Vine Watch.
• Notify registered clients of offender releases, transfers, escapes, and pre-trial proceedings, and provide appropriate safety planning and referrals.
• Assess callers requesting emergency shelter, complete shelter intake processes, and assist with shelter placement and referrals when appropriate.
• Support shelter operations by assisting Shelter Advocates, providing direct services to residents, and providing shelter shift coverage as needed.
• Participate in the shelter on-call rotation.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records, case documentation, statistics, and reports in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and other advocates to ensure continuity of services and appropriate follow-up between shifts.
• Assist with training new Shelter Advocates on hotline procedures and related responsibilities.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, in-services, and other agency activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required;
  Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred with 1 to 2 years of related experience
• Knowledge of crisis intervention strategies and conflict resolution.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Completion of mandatory victim assistance training including domestic violence, sexual assault/rape crisis, & other crimes and basic conflict resolution training – provided by the organization.
• Ability to commit to additional training hours as required.
• Ability to secure Act 33 and 34 (Child Abuse and Criminal History) and FBI clearances.
• Ability to secure additional clearances/testing that may be required by funding regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs; computer/database skills including ability to learn state, county, and CV's various software programs.
• Ability to work closely with others in a team environment.
• Supportive of organization's mission along with sensitivity of cultural diversity and workplace harmony.
• Ability to adhere to CV's confidentiality policy along with respect to sensitive, confidential client data and adherence to all Federal, State and local statutes.
• Access to a personal cell phone for safety and immediate business communications.
• A readily available and reliable means of transportation.
• Self-directed with strong problem-solving abilities and flexibility to meet the needs of the program.

CV offers the following benefit package for full time staff:

• Employee Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Paid Time Off Benefits
• Shift differential offered for Second and Third Shift
• 15 Paid Holidays
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity for employee reimbursements for mileage, parking and cell phone usage (position dependent)
• Opportunity to apply for PSLF Program (Paid Student Loan Forgiveness Program) for your work with a non-profit

CV is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, parent status, veteran status, political affiliation or other factor protected by law. CV complies with the Affirmative Action requirements and the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodation for qualified employees with a disability.