RISE Domestic Violence Advocate

Overview

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Regular/Full-time/Flexible/Non-Exempt

LOCATION: This opportunity is based out of the White Plains Office in northern Westchester County, New York. Advocacy services are delivered in a variety of settings to meet the needs of the client, whether that is remote (phone and/or Tele Health) or in-person.

JOB OVERVIEW: As an Advocate – you will work to further MSP’s mission in accordance with our guiding principles as a key role as part of the Adult Services Program. The RISE Domestic Violence Advocate is expected to provide critical supportive services in a way that is compassionate and adheres to culturally appropriate best practices and agency expectations. You will be trained in Anti-Racist principles, to provide trauma-informed, client-centered advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals.

Services will be mobile and delivered in a variety of settings to reduce barriers to participation and accessibility.

My Sisters’ Place, in collaboration with Caring for the Hungry and Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP) and Lifting Up Westchester (LUW), has created a program called RISE (Rehousing in Supportive Environments). This collaborative model will help survivors of domestic violence access rapid rehousing while receiving supportive advocacy services. Program services include transitional housing for domestic violence survivors at imminent risk, rapid rehousing, supportive case management, housing assistance, domestic violence services, employment and vocational services.

The goal is to assist participants with becoming self-sufficient in a maximum of 24 months. In addition to the RISE Program collaboration, you will also maintain strong connections to all MSP program areas, including our Residential Shelter, DSS/CPS Collaborative Program, DVEP and the Karen Cheeks-Lomax Center for Legal Services.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Providing crisis intervention, safety planning, support and advocacy to individuals impacted by intimate partner violence
• Conduct outreach to victims, assessing their emotional and practical needs, as well as explaining the services offered by MSP
• Provide clients with information and referrals to outside services for themselves and their children
• Providing personal advocacy and accompaniment to clients as needed, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, the Department of Social Services, medical and criminal justice providers
• Providing information on, and assisting victims with completing OVS Compensation Claims
• Collaborating with other programs and departments within MSP Participating in all staff meetings, trainings and/or professional development sessions as directed
• Maintaining program statistics in compliance with funding requirements and objectives
• Representing MSP at community presentations in outreach to establish and strengthen partnerships
• Representing the agency at community meetings and coalitions
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS,

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or minimum of two years of experience working with victims of domestic violence and/or providing counseling to victims of trauma
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and on a team
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines
• Experience working with children and families, providing counseling, support and advocacy in a variety of settings is a plus
• Knowledge of gender-based violence, domestic violence, human trafficking, or trauma
• A passionate commitment to principles of anti-oppression
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving and leadership skills
• Ability to manage crises with tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment
• A willingness to promote integration across agency departments
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Technology proficiencies including using Excel, Apricot and other web-based platforms
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Valid driver’s license and reliable, insured transportation (optional)

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:At MSP, we strongly believe that…