Victim Advocate

We're hiring for an advocate position at Rise! This is an exciting position where no two days are the same and you can join a great team.

I. Basic Function

The Victim Advocate position works closely with families experiencing domestic violence who've been identified in state reports to Child Protective Services or Family Services cases. The advocate provides early intervention to prevent indications for the non-offending parent due to a lack of knowledge. The goal of the program is to improve the chances that children remain safely with the non-offending parent.

Work is performed under the direction of the Director of Advocacy and with limited supervision. Three days of the work week are spent off site at DSS.

II. Essential Functions

1. Accompanies caseworkers on initial home visits to provide assessment and safety planning

2. Conferences with caseworker and supervisors about domestic violence and safety planning, as well as advocates for the client with caseworkers about the dynamics of abusive relationships

3. Meets with victims of domestic violence to explain legal proceedings, CPS procedures and agency services. Works with clients to identify needs and to assist in developing a plan for living without violence. Uses knowledge of legal system and community services to make appropriate referrals based upon self-identified needs. Fosters client ownership of their plan.

2. Provides intake forms to clients and checks completed form for accuracy. Evaluates client’s suitability for services and begins development of plan with client. Provides clients with pertinent legal information to facilitate filing Family Court Petitions if appropriate.

3. Meets clients at appointment sites such as law enforcement agencies, courts, judicial and justice system offices, and public entitlement program offices. Accompanies client during their appointment acting as advocate. Using legal knowledge, reminds client of relevant facts during proceedings.

4. Assists with completion of applications for public entitlement programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Social Security, housing applications, H.E.A.P., employment applications, and Food Stamps.

6. Maintains accurate records and prepares written reports as requested. Writes case notes and records for monthly and quarterly reports. Keeps client “tic” sheets for monthly report and maintains monthly objectives and quarterly record of victims served.

7. Completes intakes for mandated or voluntary group counseling. Facilitates 8-week Pattern Changing educational groups.

8. Performs other duties as deemed appropriate by the Executive Director.

IV. QUALIFICATIONS

Education: This position requires a two year degree in Paralegal Science or an equivalent number of credit-hours earned in a closely related field of study such as law. Up to one year of verifiable work experience in a human services field performing duties related to legal advocacy work, as defined in the essential functions section of this job description, may be substituted for an equivalent amount of qualifying education.

Knowledge: This position requires a working knowledge of the court and legal system in Broome County as well as a comprehensive understanding of federal and state public entitlement programs. An understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence is also required in order to relate to residents and other clients. Sensitivity to cultural differences in clientele is expected.

Experience: To perform the duties of this position, the holder must have one year of verifiable work experience in a human services agency where the work was directly related to assisting clients with legal issues. An equivalent combination of experience, education or training that provides the following skills and abilities may be acceptable.

Additional Qualifications: Must be able to obtain and keep a valid New York State driver’s license as well as safely operate a motor vehicle.

Violence in all forms disproportionately hurts marginalized people- including people of color, LGBTQIA people, and people with disabilities. These communities must be centered in the work we do. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.