Response Line Advocates

DC SAFE seeks to hire Response Line Advocates who are self-aware individuals committed to service, equity, integrity, and excellence. This is a FULL-TIME non-exempt position at $26.44 per hour, Non-Negotiable.

Work Hours:

The hours for this position are non-traditional and include overnight shifts and weekends. Please note that DC SAFE Response Line Advocate employees are teleworking in Maryland, DC, and VA.Advocates offer direct services to victims of domestic violence on a 24/7 calendar and at various entry points, including but not limited to DC SAFE's 24-hour 800 number, ride-along, in the DVICs, in Court, and at DC SAFE's Crisis Shelter.

Advocates primarily assist DC SAFE clients through direct services and programmatic duties.

DC SAFE advocates are a direct link to community resources to assist victims in maintaining their safety and fulfilling immediate social service needs through short-term case management.

This includes:
Informing victims/survivors of their rights and advocating on behalf of victims/survivors to ensure their rights are observed. Providing trauma informed, emotional support to victims/survivors. Providing information and options for medical forensic exams, reporting to law enforcement and district agencies, and participating in the criminal and civil justice processes, as well as coordinating access to other necessary services and supports such as crisis shelter and emergency financial assistance.

DC SAFE Advocates also provide systems advocacy through ongoing feedback to the Court, police, and other actors within the criminal/legal system regarding their impact on survivors.

provides primary coverage of the Response Line Maintain detailed records regarding calls to assist in smooth transitions of shifts and further client follow-up.

Ensure proper materials and Response Line resources are up to date.

Support Response Line Supervisors.

Administer after-hours Emergency Financial Assistance.

Assess every client for lethality and assist in devising an advocacy and safety plan as part of the DC SAFE critical incident response.

Provide immediate tangible resources for crisis intervention and facilitate access to Continuum Partners.

Guide clients through the civil and criminal justice process, with the central concern always being the client's immediate safety and self-determination.

Provide information and assistance about navigating the Civil Justice System, such as but not limited to evidentiary requirements for obtaining an ETPO/TPO/CPO; how to access the DVICs; the process of service; enforcement of Civil Protection Orders; victims' rights.

Provide information and assistance about navigating the Criminal Justice System, such as but not limited to: how and when to contact the USAO screener; information on rights and responsibilities concerning victim witnesses; how to provide information about violations to USAO; information about the status of a case, holds, and releases to ensure safety.

Provide information to and get information from MPD, USAO, and CSOSA regarding the status of violations, supervision, and the location of both the client and defendant.

Provide the client with soft referrals and maintain referral mechanisms for DC SAFE with an end towards coordinating a community response to client needs.

Report back on client concerns, trends, and needs, as well as partner concerns, trends, and needs.

Advocate for or assist clients in advocating for themselves through the provision of general legal/systems information. This includes assisting with and writing letters and complaints on the client's behalf.

Facilitate clients' access to DC SAFE Space Shelter.

Assist clients in applying for Crime Victims Compensation.

General Programmatic Duties:

Assist the organization in implementing systems advocacy plans, projects, programs, policies, and procedures.

Diligently maintain client records and DC SAFE databases.

Gather and analyze statistical information on clients, services, and trends.

Participate in training to enhance knowledge of domestic violence.

Assist with onboarding training for volunteers/interns/staff.

Attend staff meetings, training, and case review meetings.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function (job duty) satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform…