Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate

Position Type: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)

Schedule:        Regular hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. This position also requires participation in a                               rotating coverage schedule for evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays as needed.      

Location:           On-Site, Torrington, CT

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

Summary: To support and facilitate the healing of victims/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 individual counseling, emotional support, safety planning and options to victims/survivors and their families, and make referrals when necessary and appropriate


• Accompany adult victims/survivors to a hospital or private physician, police department, and/or court when requested to provide advocacy and emotional support


• Stay informed of services, referral resources, legislation, and policies related to victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault


• Maintain regular contact with community organizations and service providers to support 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 and statistics as required


• Participate in individual and group supervision, including advocate meetings and co-facilitator meetings


• Serve as an ambassador for Susan B. Anthony Project and participate in events, programs, and promotions that support awareness and advocacy


• Pursue, establish and maintain partnerships with assisted living facilities, nursing homes, VNA’s, and other institutions serving the 60+ population


• Meet with clients, in home, at a safe home, or providing advocacy and support services


• Travel within CHERISH service area to accomplish duties of position


• Other duties as assigned to further the mission of the agency

Qualifications:

• Education and experience 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 the 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 operations


• Use of positive communication and proactive conflict resolution


• Ability to work with other agencies, systems, board members, 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 services to clients under CGS 52-146K, as well as the managers of these employees, are considered essential personnel. Classification as essential personnel requires coverage of critical crisis services and residential presence during all shifts, including 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