Domestic Violence Advocate

Program Summary:

Child and Family Services (C+FS) Haven House equips survivors of domestic violence with tools and resources to stop the cycle of abuse, supporting them as they build a violence-free life and new legacy. Haven House is an integral part of the 150+ year legacy of our agency and helps fulfil our mission of nurturing a healthy and more equitable Western New York for the benefit of current and future generations.

Position Summary:  

The Domestic Violence Advocate works in a variety of environments to provide outreach, crisis intervention, safety planning and referrals for victims of domestic violence.  Advocates may be located in police agencies, courts, CPS, or in other non-traditional social work environments. 

 Major Responsibilities/Activities:

• Provide telephone and in-person crisis intervention, risk assessment, safety planning, counseling and referrals to victims of domestic violence


• Provide information, referral and direct linkage to individual, group and family counseling and other community resources, with a focus on self-sufficiency and meeting basic needs, process applications for emergency cell phones and home alarms


• Provide follow-up services to assure linkage with appropriate agency and follow-through with criminal and/or civil justice system


• Provide legal advocacy and/or court accompaniment, including providing assistance in preparing court documents. Includes engaging in collaborative working relationship with police and court personnel, including the presiding judge, resource coordinator, assistant district attorney or any other relevant parties


• Assist victims with completing NYS OVS and/or CVB Claims Applications


• Maintain up-to-date statistics, case notes and summary reports as required, including reports for funding sources


• Attend Haven House staff meetings, trainings and regularly scheduled supervision


• Provide occasional coverage in the shelter


• Provide outreach visits for clients, when necessary


• Engage in staff development to ensure continued professional growth


• Model and practices sensitivity, fair treatment and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions


• Perform other related duties as required

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor of Social Work degree (BSW) or equivalent education and experience with at least two (2) years paid professional experience


• Bi-lingual skills (Spanish-English) preferred


• NYS driver's license and continued automobile insurance


• Professional domestic violence experience preferred


• Must have very strong writing skills

Competitive Pay Rate of $23.24 per hour

CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
  –14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
  – Bereavement: Four Paid Days
  – Paid Jury Duty


• Employer Paid Life Insurance


• Medical, Two Plan Options


• Dental, Two Plan Options


• Vision Insurance


• Wellness Program and Incentives


• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions


• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)


• Dependent Care FSA


• Employee Referral Bonus


• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)


• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years

Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.