Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center

 Job Description

Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence 

Supervised by
Director of Advocacy & Prevention

Location
Onsite​​​​​

​​​​​General Position Information
36 hours a week (non-exempt position)

Hourly Range: $23.00-$28.00 per hour (depending on experience). Most candidates hired into this role typically fall between $23.00 – $26.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Benefits Package includes Dental, Vision, Medical, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and option of enrolling in a retirement plan, Flexible Spending Plan (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA).

Summary of primary job functions
The Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence (Advocate) position is part of the Advocacy & Prevention Department which includes the Services for Children & Youth, Services for Survivors of Domestic Violence, and the Housing & Employment programs. Under the supervision of the director of Advocacy & Prevention, the Advocate aids in the implementation of Domestic Violence Services programming including but not limited to 24-hour hotline, individual peer counseling, support groups, legal advocacy, court accompaniment, emergency interim accommodations & transportation, community education, violence prevention workshops, and support services for children of survivors and child survivors.

Duties and responsibilities

• Provide direct service and support to survivors of domestic violence and their children through the implementation of the 15 standards outlined by the California Emergency Services (CalOES) grant.
• To implement and fulfill appropriate requirements of all funding sources.
• To improve the emotional, physical, and economic well-being of survivors, their children and families in Santa Cruz County utilizing a strength-based approach of education, skill building, and support.
• To increase awareness and provide education about domestic violence within Santa Cruz County thereby improving our community response to family violence.
• Assist with program accountability, data collection and evaluation.
• Support domestic violence services program development and growth.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Regular use of hands, wrists, and finger movements; ability to perform repetitive motion, writing. Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment
• Ability to hear normal speech, hear and talk to exchange information in person and telephone
• Ability to think and work effectively under pressure; ability to effectively serve participants; (decision making, maintain a concentrated level of attention to information, effectively communicate in person and by telephone throughout a typical workday; ability to understand and retain instructions from supervisor in person, by email or by telephone; attention to detail.
• Effectively utilize a strength-based, trauma informed approach, to provide crisis intervention support, peer counseling, information, and referrals to promote the physical, emotional, and behavioral safety of participants to address both their immediate and on-going needs and goals
• Capacities to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast paced and ever-changing environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to efficiently evaluate and problem solve complex issues
• A strong commitment to working with participants with multiple co-factors including domestic violence, substance abuse, poverty, social oppression, houselessness, and additional factors such as the internalized effects of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other marginalizing issues.
• Knowledge of issues facing multicultural and multilingual communities
• General knowledge about domestic violence and Santa Cruz County community resources
• Knowledge of DVRO process and how to accurately complete paperwork to assist participants in preparing DVRO paperwork as part of a safety plan
• Understanding of criminal and civil legal processes and procedures to support participants with court prep for custody, child support hearings and CPS processes
• Create and maintain participant files
• Ability to maintain a helpful, proactive, non-judgmental, and friendly attitude that strengthens the participant/advocate relationship
• 40-hour state certified Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence.
• Experience working with Survivors of Domestic Violence.

• English proficiency required (verbal & written)
• Bi-Lingual Spanish/English desired but not required.
• All offers of employment at Walnut Avenue are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check/fingerprinting.
• If this position requires driving on behalf of the agency, a DMV background check will also be required. Presentation of current driver’s license and proof of insurance is required upon hire and throughout employment if driving on behalf of the organization.
• Competent computer skills including basic Microsoft Office knowledge
• Commitment to attend staff and department meetings
• Capable of working collaboratively and independently
• Maintain a high level of self-awareness and healthy boundaries with participants
• Willingness to self-reflect and evaluate personal beliefs, biases, values, attitudes, and actions
• Maintain and practice a comprehensive self-care routine
• Maintain flexibility regarding job roles and duties
• Ability to apply the strength-based model to support volunteers and co-workers
• Ability to manage volunteers including creating a welcoming environment, setting clear expectations, having healthy boundaries, and addressing performance issues
• Ability to efficiently evaluate and problem solve complex issues
• Fluent and articulate writing abilities
• Commitment to maintain a mutually respectful & supportive work environment that values and empowers team members to collectively accomplish program goals