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Summary

The SAFEPLAN Advocate provides safety planning, information about the court process and options, assistance in the drafting of legal documentation, and daily court advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking as well as their children. They provide referrals to the YWCA, other domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking programs, criminal justice victim services, community social service programs, and the District Attorney’s office as necessary to meet the needs of survivors.

Expectations of all employees

• Demonstrate commitment to the YWCA’s mission and principles of trauma-informed work.
• Represent the YWCA in a professional and competent manner to participants, community members, organizational partners, and others.
• Reflect on and interrupt assumptions, personal and systemic biases, and sources of power when interacting or communicating with colleagues, clients, and external partners.
• Support policies, practices, and decisions that demonstrate our shared accountability for racial equity.
• Perform quality work within program guidelines and deadlines.
• Work effectively as a team contributor and foster a positive working environment.
• Work independently while understanding the need for communication and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Maintain professional behavior and strict confidentiality.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide daily in-court advocacy (remotely or at the YWCA Headquarters) and safety planning to survivors of domestic violence and their children at assigned courts for SAFEPLAN.
• Assists with 209A or 258E application paperwork.
• Provide information regarding legal options and associated paperwork, including but not limited to, applications for restraining and harassment orders.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Conduct intakes, safety planning and risk assessment using specific safety planning and assessment tools.
• Provide counseling, support and follow up as well as referrals to the YWCA, other programs, criminal justice victim services, community social service programs and the district attorney’s office as necessary to meet the needs of victims.
• Communicate regular updates and status of high risk victims to supervisors.
• Make necessary referrals to the YWCA, District Attorney’s office, Victim Services and other community-based support services.
• Collaborate with victim witness advocates, agency staff, and other service programs in an effort to provide a continuum of care to victims.
• Work with MOVA and court/criminal justice personnel to improve services to victims.
• Ensure ongoing program documentation and evaluation, as well as required SAFEPLAN documentation in accordance with contract obligations and/or best practices.
• Maintain all files and program records in accordance with ethical and confidentiality standards
• Submit monthly billing within deadline.
• Attend all SAFEPLAN scheduled conference calls/meetings
• Attend staff and supervision meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Qualifications

• AA or equivalent education, B.A. preferred;
• Minimum of 3 years experience in a related human service field;
• Minimum 2 years experience with victims of domestic violence;
• Familiarity with and ability to navigate legal / court systems, processes, and issues pertaining to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and/or harassment;
• Functional knowledge of relevant laws and regulations;
• Ability to represent agency from a management perspective in an active union environment;
• Knowledge of outreach service delivery and community resources;
• Experience addressing the impacts of decisions and actions on multiple communities;
• Understanding of both interpersonal and structural racism and bias;
• Experience with networking, collaborating with agencies and other community resources;
• Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Stalking and SAFEPLAN Certification;
• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills, including strong computer skills;
• Must be able to be covered by the agency’s insurance policy; and
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt