Outreach Advocate - Waterville

Full Time, 32 hours per week, Non Exempt

Job Type:

Position Summary:

Family Violence Project (FVP) seeks an advocate to provide direct services to those affected by domestic abuse in Northern Kennebec County. The Outreach Advocate will provide operational support to the Waterville Outreach Office, including overseeing the office and addressing any technological and/or maintenance needs. The person in this position will provide advocacy services in relation to the office and facilitate a weekly support group for adult victims/survivors.

They will also attend the local district court on days that protection order hearings are scheduled, providing advocacy, information, and support services to those in attendance who are affected by domestic abuse; the advocate may attend other courts and/or court proceedings based on victim/survivor need and advocate availability. The Outreach Advocate will network with area services providers to establish connections and gain/maintain knowledge of resources to better assist those with whom they are working.

Maintaining current and accurate records is an integral part of this position, as is the reporting of data as required by the agency and its funders.

This is a full-time, 32-hour per week non-exempt position with a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm schedule; each day includes a half hour unpaid lunch break. The schedule will include occasional on-call responsibilities in relation to the agency’s 24-hour helpline and may include some evenings and weekends. This position will be based out of FVP’s Waterville Outreach Office and will include travel, as needed, throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties for court advocacy, collaborative community meetings, agency meetings, etc.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit (including prolonged sitting), talk, and listen. The employee is also required to operate a computer using a standard keyboard and mouse; use a fax machine, printer, scanner, and copier; and communicate using a telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community. This person will also have knowledge of the housing barriers encountered by those experiencing homelessness, and available resources. Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution are necessary. Time management skills are a must, as is the ability to prioritize work demands to meet client needs and emergencies.

Experience in and/or knowledge of the civil, family, and criminal court systems is preferred, as is experience with group facilitation. The successful candidate will interact harmoniously with others, communicating respectfully and effectively through excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills. The person in this position must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle emergencies in a calm manner, and de‑escalate situations.

Applicants should be proficient in the use of Microsoft programs, particularly Outlook, Word, and One Drive. Data entry and reporting experience are helpful.

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for this position. Applicants must undergo fingerprinting upon hire and pass state and federal criminal history checks, as well as checks done through sex offender registries, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in human services, social work, or a related field is preferred for this position but is not required;

those with relevant skills and work / life experience are encouraged to apply. All new employees are required to participate in a thorough orientation process which includes successful completion of Family Violence Project’s Crisis Advocacy,…