Provides services in support of the advocacy, intervention, prevention, education and training to address domestic violence. This position also supports The Tribe Circles Critical Response and Extraction team which provides extraction of victims from abusive environments. The Victim Advocate serves victim/survivors 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, to assist and advocate for victims of domestic abuse and to ensure a victim’s easy transition to community
- Provides crisis intervention and comprehensive services to include emotional support, arrangement of transportation; accompany victims to medical, legal and/or law enforcement appointments (when requested), assist in securing protective orders, emergency food and/or shelter and information benefits.
- Works directly with victims to ensure that expressed needs are advocated and presented to personnel at The Tribe Circle or other intervening agencies.
- Assesses imminent risks for health and/or safety of the victim and make referrals as appropriate.
- Assists victims with navigating the system to obtain the services desired and refer victims to the appropriate services for continued care.
- Ensures victims of domestic abuse receive sensitive, confidential and immediate comprehensive care and treatment needed to restore health and well-being.
- Performs initial screening, non- clinical risk and safety planning with victims of domestic abuse.
- Assists victims in developing safety plans, and provide emotional support, crisis intervention, prevention awareness and education to victims.
- Provides crisis intervention and a warm hand off to community resources for victims who are not eligible for services through The Tribe Circle Program.
- Provides information on victim rights, services and resources available through The Tribe Circle Programs or different services.
- When contacted by a victim of domestic abuse, make contact either telephonically within 20 minutes or face to face within 60 minutes (when requested) by the victim.
- When contacted by a victim of domestic abuse, make arrangements with Critical Response Team and Local Police Department for exactions (when requested).
- Ensures that first responders, (Emergency Medical Services and or law enforcement etc.) are contacted immediately during crisis situations where there is imminent harm to the victim, their children or program staff.
- Conducts domestic abuse training and awareness programs to educate the community.
- Guide client families through the investigative process, encourage their participation in the process, and help them understand their rights as a victim of a crime.
- Formulate appropriate intervention strategies to improve a family’s coping skills during a child abuse case investigation and prosecution process.
- Identify and make every attempt to meet the needs of children and families who may be in crisis
- Educate non-offending caregivers about the dynamics and possible long-term consequences of child abuse
- Assess family needs and encourage non-offending caregivers to participate in recommended services and counseling.
- Provide information and assistance with completing Crime Victims’’ Compensation applications.
- Serve as a liaison between the family and multidisciplinary team members as needed.
- Accompany non-offending caregivers to court or other appointments, when requested.
- Participate in relevant community awareness, campaigns and prevention events.
- Maintain ongoing case management, all data entry must be completed within three business days.
- Ensure daily contact with a victim while in crisis and no less than every 30 days when not in crisis.
Other Job Requirements
Responsibilities
Working knowledge of Family violence dynamics, safety planning, risk assessments, local community resources, and federal and state laws pertaining to domestic abuse or sexual assault, Family law and the Victim Rights Bill.
Possess ability to intervene in crisis situations, using sound professional judgment, ethical practice, and common sense.
Ability to work independently to assess risk, develop, implement, and evaluate safety and intervention plans to meet victim needs.
Demonstrated understanding, sensitivity, and empathy for victims.
Possess the ability to develop trusting helping relationships.
Possess the ability to work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted motor vehicle license.
Must possess transportation to transport victim in crisis (non-emergent) situations as a last resort.
Must be able to provide on-call 24 hours/7 days per week victim advocacy services.