ERT Advocate II

Position: Advocate II - ERT 

Department: Victim Services 

Supervisor: Director of Emergency Response Services

Compensation Range: $24.00/hour, Advocate/Direct Services II Band

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday; Typical Business Hours. Occasional evening or weekend work.

Closure Status: Level 1 & 3

MISSION STATEMENT: 

Eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Emergency Response Services Advocate provides Emergency Response services and referrals to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or social work preferred. 

1. Must pass criminal, child abuse and neglect, and sex offender background checks.

1. One year of experience in crisis intervention, domestic violence or counseling situations preferred.
2. Demonstrated assertiveness and ability to manage conflict.
3. Must be versed at using a computer, databases, and case management systems.
4. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides immediate in-person crisis intervention support to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and/or sexual assault on-site, at local agencies, in their homes, or a safe environment.
2. Answers the crisis line and provides trauma-responsive support, safety optioning, information, and referrals to survivors.
3. Provides empathetic support and describes accurate information and options in a culturally competent and trauma-responsive manner. 
4. Potentially participates in an on-call rotation in support of the 24/7 program.
5. Informs and educates victims on Personal Protection Orders, Crime Victim Compensation, the criminal justice system and other systems survivors navigate.
6. Maintains a high-level working relationship with referring agencies.
7. Transports victims and their children to Shelter when necessary.
8. Utilizes available learning opportunities/tools during down time including readings, webinars, and other forms of materials to enhance learning and skills.
9. Actively engages in ERT staff meetings, advocate group supervision, and weekly one-on-one supervision.
10. Follows supervision regarding work schedule, safety planning, record keeping and communicating clients’ needs.
11. Potentially assists in training program volunteers

1. Remains flexible and manages changing priorities on a continuing basis.
2. Knows and adheres to Association policies, procedures, and practices.
3. Safeguards confidential information gained because of the position.
4. Complies with Association policy regarding required reporting of child abuse.
5. As a YWCA employee, projects a positive image of the Association and its programs to the community.
6. Works cooperatively with program participants, YWCA staff, and volunteers.

1. Other duties as assigned.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Must have reliable transportation.
2. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
3. Must be able to travel throughout Kalamazoo County
4. Must have interest and concern for assisting survivors of domestic, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
5. Ability to maintain neutrality while supporting clients in a non-judgmental manner.
6. Familiarity with community services available to victims of domestic, sexual assault, and human trafficking. 
7. Proficiency in Spanish preferred. 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. YWCA assigned building
2. Occasional off-site locations; promotional events, networking events, community engagement events, etc.
3. Potential outdoor events 
4. Potential Actions: Sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, some lifting
5. Frequently required to remain stationary
6. Frequently required to move
7. Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
8. Occasionally required to taste or smell
9. Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
10. Continually required to communicate and exchange accurate information
11. Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
12. Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions 
13. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate-loud 
14. Occasionally work in high, precarious places
15. Occasionally work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals
16. The employee must frequently lift and /or move more than 25 pounds. 
17. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 50 pounds. 
18. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Ability to adjust focus; Depth Perception
19. Specialized equipment, machines, or vehicles used: computer, copier, and motor vehicle 
20. Frequent travel to and from offsite locations and events 
21. Frequent exposure to bloodborne pathogens, airborne pathogens, or infectious materials
22. Additional remarks regarding work environment: ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 
23. Conditions are subject to occasional exposure to agitated or threatening individuals.
24. Irregular work hours may exist, including early morning, evening, weekends, holidays and on an on-call basis for emergencies.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

1. Orientation to YWCA Personnel Policies, Mission, Purpose and One Imperative.
2. Racial Justice Training
3. Pronoun Training
4. Orientation to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Confidentiality, Mandatory Reporting.
5. Appropriate training and in-service which will occur during employment.
6. Participates in twenty (20) hours of required Domestic Violence Training.
7. Participates in continues training offered by YWCA, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCEDSV) or other community organizations.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer