DVSA Program Domestic Violence Advocate

Description

Are you looking to make a real difference in the lives of others? Join the Catholic Charities team!   For the last 100 years, we have had the distinct honor to provide help and hope for those in need. At Catholic Charities, our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen families. We do this through our vital programs including a food pantry, counseling services, emergency family shelter, domestic violence and sexual assault programming and refugee resettlement. We care for the dignity of the person, regardless of background and strive to provide unparalleled support for those in need. 

The Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program provides services to anyone faced with these issues through a 24-hour crisis phone line, emergency shelter, court advocacy and much more. This program is based in Council Bluffs, Iowa and serves nine counties in southwest Iowa: Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie, and Shelby. Our on-site emergency shelter provides a safe, confidential living for up to eight families at a time.

The Domestic Violence Advocate will work closely with the Domestic Violence Coordinator and team to plan and provide outreach and services to domestic violence survivors in southwest Iowa.  This position travels in our nine county service area on a regular basis to provide in-person advocacy and requires occasional evening and weekend hours.  

We Offer

• Competitive pay
• 35-hour workweek
• Generous vacation and sick pay*
• 14 paid holidays*
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Tuition Reimbursement*
• Comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flex Spending Plans*
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance*
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• A supportive and uplifting working environment 

 *Benefits are available for full-time employees and may be subject to waiting period. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Facilitate presentations on domestic violence and sexual assault to educate and build awareness.
• Advocate on behalf of clients and their children who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Build relationships with community professionals and organizations and participate in community outreach events. 
• Assist survivors in arranging appropriate shelter, transportation and other needs. 
• Aid in group domestic violence education in the nine-county service areas. 

Requirements

• Passion to make a difference and support those in need.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university preferred.
• Four or more years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Knowledge of appropriate intervention techniques for working effectively with a variety of problems related to family violence. 
• Familiarity with social work practices and community resources is preferred.
• Dependable and able to work independently.
• Bilingual abilities is beneficial but not required. 

Additional Expectations

• To ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals we serve, a criminal background screening, including Child and Dependent Adult Abuse registry check is required for all employees and volunteers. Conviction of a crime will not automatically disqualify you from employment; the nature, severity, and recency of the crime will be considered in relation to the position.

Post-Hire Certifications

• FBI fingerprinting
• IowaCASA Certified Sexual Abuse Counselor
• Attend yearly Blood Born Pathogen training
• Maintain up-to-date CPR Certification
• Frist-Aid Certification 
• Mandatory Child Abuse and Dependent Adult training