Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Child Advocate

Position Type: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

Schedule:        Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 11am-7pm *    

Location:           On-Site, Shelter Location, Torrington, CT

Salary Range:  $22.50-$24.50 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

Summary: To support and facilitate the healing of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families, by providing counseling, resources and legal, medical and other social service advocacy.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with other staff to provide crisis line coverage 24/7/365 and be available for after-hours shifts as required, including nights, weekends and holidays
• Provide support counseling, advocacy, referral and follow-up for sheltered and non-sheltered clients using empowerment approach to enhance confidence and self-esteem
• Complete shelter screenings and intakes (within 24 hours) per established intake guidelines
• Welcome and orient new residents
• Support residents in establishing and achieving short and long-term goals
• Conduct case management meetings
• Coordinate and facilitate client house meetings for shelter and TLP
• Assist residents leaving shelter in transition to another living situation (including referrals, furniture, security deposits, applications)
• Provide necessary cleaning of resident rooms upon exit. Prepare rooms for new resident arrival
• Work to create a safe and clean-living environment by participating in cleaning the shelter
• Accompany adult victims/survivors to a hospital or private physician, police and/or court when requested. To provide advocacy and/or emotional support upon victim's/survivor’s request.
• Stay informed of all services, referral resources, legislation, and policies regarding victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Maintain regular contact with community organizations/service providers to ensure effective referrals
• Co-facilitate support groups and make every effort to provide childcare, if necessary
• Assist with community education and provide in-services as requested
• Provide information, application assistance and support for Victim Compensation funds
• Maintain and provide service data/statistics as required
• Complete age-appropriate intake for each child and accompanying care provider upon entering residential programs and explaining residential life to children using one-on-one counseling and other materials
• Plan/coordinate outings and activities, to promote self-esteem and healing, provide fun and therapeutic opportunities for children. Make contacts with agencies and businesses to ensure affordable/free activities for children i.e. bowling and YWCA
• Meet regularly with each mother/care provider to provide support and information, assess needs and make referrals for the children
• Facilitate parenting groups for residents weekly and arrange for other professionals to provide information to residents (i.e. nutritional, personal safety)
• Offer children's group (residential and non-residential children) as needed
• Provide individual counseling sessions and advocacy for non-residential children as needed
• Keep playroom at advocacy and counseling center, as well as play yard, in clean, orderly and safe place for children and keep all children's equipment/supplies clean, in working order, inventoried and stored properly
• Maintain awareness of ways in which the program/shelter meets the needs of children including health and safety issues and social and emotional needs
• Serve as an ambassador for Susan B. Anthony Project. Participate in events, programs and promotions of awareness and advocacy
• Other duties as assigned to further the mission of the agency

Qualifications:

• Education and experience that may have been gained through relevant training, employment, or volunteer experience
• Certification as a DV/SA counselor per statute
• Knowledge of counseling and social services
• Ability to understand and incorporate the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence into work
• Excellent problem solving and follow up skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platform, and/or other programs
• Ability to participate as a member of a team to enhance agency communication and operation
• Use of positive communications and proactive conflict resolution
• Ability to work with other agencies, systems, board and volunteers
• Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license
• Ability to lift and move 25 pounds
• Patience and a sense of humor

*Employees who are required to be certified to provide direct service to clients under the CGS 52-146K and the managers to these employees, are considered essential personnel. Their classification as essential personnel requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts; daytime, nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, storms and other emergency situations

Benefits:

• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Supplemental insurance options through Aflac
• 403(b) retirement savings plan