Legal Advocate, Huntingdon House, Huntingdon, PA

Legal Advocate

Posted on: February 3, 2015
Posted by: Huntingdon House

Huntingdon House a program for survivors of domestic violence is hiring for the full-time position of Legal Advocate. Located in rural Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Huntingdon House provides advocacy services for individuals and families who are living with domestic violence. Services include, 24 hour hotline, legal advocacy, individual and group counseling, emergency shelter, transitional housing, civil legal representation and prevention education services. All services are provided within a client centered trauma informed framework.

The legal advocate provides individual advocacy and counseling to victims of domestic violence within the context of a client centered trauma informed workplace. Duties include assisting clients with the preparation and filing of protection from abuse petitions, accompanying survivors to court hearings, legal appointments and other procedures in connection with civil legal proceedings, support counseling and safety planning. The legal advocate also services as the liaison to the Michael Ayers Law Project (providing civil legal representation to survivors) to provide a system of holistic representation to survivors. The advocate also acts as the liaison with law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, community legal services and the court system through facilitation of the Huntingdon County Domestic Violence Task force and referrals to the Michael Ayers Law Project.

Qualifications

Experience working with individuals experiencing crisis, working across community systems and office administrative duties. Knowledge of unique issues facing rural victims of domestic violence is preferred. Excellent writing, communication skills, professional telephone skills and a willingness to develop and learn new skills. Proficiency with Microsoft office and database management experience preferred. College degree preferred.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to:

- the provision of Domestic Violence services with a feminist perspective;

- the struggle against ageism, classism, racism, ableism, homophobia and heterosexism;

- support and involve people of all racial, social, ethnic, religious, cultural and economic groups;

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants please apply by sending a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Jean Riddle Collins

Executive Director

Huntingdon House

PO Box 217

401 7^th Street

Huntingdon, PA 16652

Jcollins@huntingdonhouse.net

Kokua Counselor, Domestic Violence Action Center, Honolulu, HI

Kokua Counselor

Posted on: January 15, 2015
Posted by: Domestic Violence Action Center

Non-Profit organization seeking experienced counselors to work directly with Native Hawaiian domestic violence survivors and their families in providing support groups and advocacy services that are culturally appropriate and trauma informed.

The DV (Domestic Violence) Kokua Counselor will present educational materials and facilitate Hawaiian cultural group discussions relating to domestic violence. During these groups, the counselor will provide knowledge, skills and tools for participants to use in order to help them remain safe and move toward healing from past domestic violence. The counselor will incorporate curriculum that is culturally Hawaiian based related to achieving healing and self-sufficiency. Counselor will provide support of advocacy as needed.

Goal

To work directly with Native Hawaiian domestic violence survivors and their families in providing support groups and advocacy services that are culturally appropriate and trauma informed.

Desired Qualifications

Understanding of domestic violence, community dynamics and strategies in the Hawaiian community. Organized, good verbal and written communication skills; dependable and ability to meet deadlines. Familiarity with social service agencies on the island of Oahu. Knowledge of the feminist philosophy of violence against women.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's in Social Work or equivalent and experience working with people who have experienced lived trauma, and endeavoring to overcome barriers, change life patterns, and improve living circumstances. Understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence. Knowledge and be culturally aligned with Native Hawaiian values, cultural traditions and practices. Knowledge about the community resources. Possess good interpersonal skills and critical thinking skills. Flexibility with work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and lead groups with close attention and sensitivity to differences between participants.

• Create and maintain a safe setting that is conducive to individual participation, healing and learning.

• Present educational materials and facilitate Hawaiian cultural group discussions relating to domestic violence.
• Provide knowledge, skills and tools for participants to use in order to help them remain safe and move toward healing from past domestic violence.

• Incorporate curriculum that is culturally Hawaiian based related to achieving healing and self-sufficiency

• Responsible for collaborating and coordinating meetings and activities with community partners and program facilitators.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings with program participant families.

• Collect and submit required statistical data/reports to management, program staff and funder to adhere to grant requirements. (30-hour position)

• Counselor will preserve client confidentiality and adhere to all DVAC policies in regard to client confidentiality.

• Counselor will provide safety planning to all assigned participants. Counselor will update safety plan with client when necessary.

• Counselor reports directly to the Advocacy Manager.

• Provide support of advocacy as needed.

• Must attend one (1) relevant training per quarter pertaining to job functions.

• Assume other duties as assigned.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested individuals may submit a cover letter and resume via fax or mail to:

Domestic Violence Action Center Human Resources

P.O. Box 3198

Honolulu, HI 96801

Fax #: (808) 531-7228

Vocational Instructor/Career Development Trainer, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, Brooklyn, NY

Vocational Instructor/Career Development Trainer

Posted on: January 8, 2015
Application deadline: January 23, 2015
Posted by: Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation (Restoration) holds a special place in the nation's history as the pioneering model for not-for-profit community development corporations across the country. Established in 1967 with bipartisan support of Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Jacob K. Javits, Restoration's mission is to improve the quality of life of the Central Brooklyn community. Restoration is located in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, a predominantly low-income community of approximately 290,000 residents who are primarily African American, Caribbean, Latino and African. Its programs include Workforce Development & Social Services, Asset Building & Financial Literacy, Commercial Revitalization & Business Vitality, Weatherization & Energy Conservation, and Arts & Culture. Restoration is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For more information on Bedford Stuyvesant restoration Corporation and its programs, see: http://www.restorationplaza.org.

The Vocational/Career Advancement Instructor reports to the Director of Jobs Plus and Director of Program Operations. Specific responsibilities and tasks of the Vocational/Career Advancement Trainer include, but are not limited to:

• Teach a generic vocational skill in one or more of the following areas: Microsoft/ Computer Literacy, Customer Service, Office Management/ Administration or other general vocational skills area.

• Conduct outreach and recruitment and develop relationships with other service providers to ensure a steady stream of program participants.

• Develop and maintain curricula and lesson plans for workshops to program participants in resume writing, job search, interviewing skills, life skills, and career advancement.

• Assess program participants to determine interests, qualifications, and employment eligibility and assist in developing employment and curriculum plans.

• Provide one-on-one coaching to program participants in the area of job readiness, career advancement, and vocational training referrals.

• Follow up with program participants to maintain high program retention and collect information on self-placements and retention.

• Provide consultation and advice to Job Development staff regarding program participants' level of job readiness.

• Maintain record and files on program participants and their program attendance using Salesforce and other databases.

• Maintain relationships with other vocational/ career development training providers to share and develop best practices.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Preferred.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in providing vocational training, career development training, and/or job readiness training.

• In possession of applicable Vocational Training credentials (licensed/ certified to instruct in one or more of the following vocational areas: Microsoft/ Computer Literacy, Customer Service, Office Management/ Administration or other general vocational skills area.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both verbal and in writing.

• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, milestones and be a team-player

• Proficient with MS Office (Excel, Word, Access & Outlook), and database management.

HOW TO APPLY

In order to apply, please email cover letter and resume to Judith Anglin, HR Director, at hr@restorationplaza.org. For more information, contact Jako Borren, Director of Program Operations, at jborren@restorationplaza.org.

Economic & Education Advocate, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Norwalk/Stamford, CT

Economic & Education Advocate

Posted on: January 8, 2015
Posted by: Domestic Violence Crisis Center

The Housing and Economic Justice Advocate is responsible for providing direct assistance to individuals impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV) in the areas of affordable housing and consumer education. The Housing and Economic Justice Advocate will work closely with the program coordinator to provide support, information and advocacy services designed to enhance the safety and economic security to our clients. 

Such services include: 

• Assist clients with housing, employment and education applications

• Coordinating and advocating with housing authorities, property owners, and other service providers to secure safe and affordable housing

• Assisting clients with budgeting and financial planning

• Conducting financial education workshops

The position requires demonstrated case management skills and a strong commitment to advancing opportunities for DVCC clients. Competitive candidates will possess excellent oral and written communications skills and the desire to work at an organization that is fast paced, desires critical thinking abilities, is data responsive and recognizes the value of coordinated care across services and systems. Ability to collect data, maintain service records, complete reports accurately and submit in a timely manner and an ability to facilitate groups and conduct presentations a must. Candidate must have drivers license and reliable transportation, and also be able to lift 30 pounds. Bilingual in English and Spanish is required.

This is a part-time position for 20 H/W to be paid at an hourly rate of $18.00 to $21.00.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to employment@dvccct.org with the subject "Housing and Economic Justice Advocate."

Before applying, please review our website at www.dvccct.org, or our Spanish website at www.EsperanzaCT.org, for information regarding our organization.

Phone inquiries are not accepted.

WomenCare Mentee Advisor, Women's Prison Association, New York, NY

WomenCare Mentee Advisor

Posted on: December 9, 2014
Posted by: Women's Prison Association

WPA is currently recruting for a Mentee Advisor in the WomenCare program. WPA's WomenCare program is changing from working with women incarcerated on Rikers Island to women in state prison. This position is responsible for recruiting, screening, and enrolling eligible women incarcerated at Bedford Hills or Taconic State Correctional Facilities shortly before their release to community-based volunteer mentors, for facilitating pre- release group-level interventions for enrolled clients, and for helping clients develop transitional plans to support their community reentry through connection to post-release resources and services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate outreach sessions for potential clients at Bedford Hills and Taconic Correctional Facilities to market WomenCare to eligible potential clients.
• Conduct initial screenings and intakes for clients, identified to potentially benefit from mentoring services
• Administer validated gender-responsive Risks/Needs Assessment to participants to identify each woman's individual risks and strengths for enrollment prioritization and for service plan development.
• Deliver group-level independent living skills workshops to women currently incarcerated to further engage potential clients and prepare them for successful reentry.
• Deliver group-level curriculum-based cognitive behavioral intervention, Seeking Safety, to currently incarcerated women in support of improved coping skills for past trauma and substance abuse.
• Coordinate, in partnership with other community-based staff, mentor/mentee outings and structured socialization outings/special events
• Provide one on one advising and referral to needed services for pre and post release clients participating in the mentoring program
• Serve as primary liaison for clients throughout the mentor/mentee commitment
• Collaborate with WomenCare Coordinator to match potential mentors with clients based on mentor matching tool to facilitate effective mentoring relationships
• Assist pre-release clients in the development of transitional plans to promote successful reentry either directly or in collaboration with Corrections Department or other discharge planners.
• Maintain small caseload of transitional planning clients being released from State Correctional Facilities to New York City communities.
• Connect clients to critical services post-release such as public assistance, housing, and health and mental health services
• Conduct regular follow-up with clients under community supervision or receiving case management services at WPA or elsewhere to track client progress towards goals and obtain outcome information for reporting purposes.
• Conduct scheduled interviews with program participants to collect federally-mandated GPRA data
• Maintain written records of all program activities and client interactions for monthly statistical reporting
• All other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma/GED required, Bachelor's or Associate's degree strongly preferred
• minimum two years of relevant service provision experience
• Strong interpersonal and group facilitation skills, with experience facilitating manual driven curriculum based interventions strongly preferred
• Background in case management or supportive services
• Experience in clinical settings or with substance abuse/mental health populations
• Familiarity with issues related to women involved in the criminal justice system required; past work or volunteer experience with population preferred.
• Basic counseling skills
• Strong writing, organizational and computer skills using Microsoft Office applications required; past experience using electronic client record applications preferred.
• Experience working with volunteers preferred
• Ability to gain clearance to New York State correctional facilities required

HOW TO APPLY

For consideration send your resume and cover letter (word formatted) with salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. EOE

Child/Adult Therapist, HopeWorks of Howard County, Columbia, MD

Child/Adult Therapist

Posted on: November 19, 2014
Application deadline: December 8, 2014
Posted by: HopeWorks of Howard County

Child/Adult Therapist is responsible for providing individual and group therapy to survivors of sexual and domestic violence in our out-patient setting.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field
• Valid Maryland clinical license
• Experience working with children and adult
• Experience working in sexual violence (preferred) or domestic violence programs
• Experience and knowledge of direct behavioral health services, including assessment, treatment, and consultation
• Knowledge of diverse modalities of counseling and diagnostic principles
• Knowledge of, and ability to, apply counseling and diagnostic theories and techniques to a full range of diverse client populations as well as co-occurring disorders
• Belief in a strengths-based approach to human services
• Passion for mission and philosophy of HopeWorks along with the knowledge of company history, culture, identity, and goals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Availability to work at least two evenings per week to meet client needs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other computer software
• Native or near-native fluency in Korean, French, Mandarin, Urdu or Spanish (preferred but not required)

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

CLIENT CARE

• Provide individual and group counseling according to individualized treatment plans and in accordance with professional standards
• Make treatment and social service referrals to appropriate agencies that support client goals
• Create, maintain, and submit accurate records and documents in a timely manner
• Maintain current knowledge of assessment and treatment techniques, criminal justice systems, and community resources using in-service training, seminars, workshops, and publications
• Collaborate with other departments and outside agencies for continuity of care

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

• Accurately complete client paperwork and compile reports as needed
• Document and communicate all pertinent information/issues to the Clinical Director
• Attend weekly supervision meetings with Clinical Director
• Attend clinical and agency staff meetings
• Maintain clinical license in good standing

• Prioritize the use of best and evidence based practices
• Research programming trends and current practices being used in the field
• Other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position.

Clinical Skills

Maintains an ethical practice (e.g. awareness of ethical standards and conduct); demonstrates strong client relationships and interpersonal skills (e.g. establishes and maintains rapport, accurately perceives and understands clients, and maintains role boundaries); Recognizes diversity, individual difference, and cultural competency in clinical practice; implements appropriate assessment and intervention strategies; demonstrates competency in general clinical skills including the understanding of concepts, theory, and empirical foundations for practice.

Quality of Work

Maintains high standards despite pressing deadlines; does work right the first time; corrects own errors; regularly produces accurate, thorough, professional work.

Reliability

Personally responsible; completes work in a timely, consistent manner; works hours necessary to complete assigned work; is regularly present and punctual; arrives prepared for work; is committed to doing the best job possible; keeps commitments.

Communication: Oral and Written

Effectively transfers thoughts and expresses ideas orally or verbally in individual or group situations. Speaks comfortably with a diverse array of individuals and groups.

Problem Solving

Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner as well as skillfully gathers and analyzes information.

Judgment

Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; and makes timely decisions.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Supports a positive team environment in which members participate, respect and cooperate with each other to achieve desired results.

Crisis Management

Appropriately handles crisis intervention. Effectively assesses a crisis, including risk of harm to self and/or others.

Planning and Organization

Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; and develops realistic action plans.

Professionalism

Thinks carefully about the likely effects on others of one's words, actions, appearance, and mode of behavior. Selects the words or actions most likely to have the desired effect on the individual or group in question.

Support of Diversity

Treats all people with respect; values diverse perspectives; participates in diversity training opportunities; provides a supportive work environment for a multicultural staff; applies the HopeWorks commitment to cultural proficiency; shows sensitivity to individual differences; treats others fairly without regard to race, sex, color, religion, mental or physical ability, health status, nation of origin, gender identity or expression or sexual orientation; recognizes differences; takes advantage of opportunities to learn and gain by working together; values and encourages unique skills and talents; seeks and considers diverse perspectives and ideas.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, speak, communicate and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

____________

Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the incumbent will possess the skills aptitudes and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills or abilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants must submit a letter of interest and complete resume to:Pauline Gianoplus, PhD, LCSW-C

Clinical Director

HopeWorks of Howard County

5457 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 310

Columbia, MD 21045

E-mail: PGianoplus@WeAreHopeWorks.org

Fax: 410-997-1397

NO phone calls

Children's Counseling Advocate, A Woman's Place of Bucks Country, Doylestown, PA

Children's Counseling Advocate

Posted on: November 13, 2014
Posted by: A Woman's Place of Bucks Country

PURPOSE OF POSITION

To provide counseling, advocacy, and support to child witnesses of domestic violence.

EDUCATION 

Bachelor's degree in a related field, 1-3 years of related work experience , Bilingual background preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Ensure that the services of the Children's Counseling Program support the Values, Vision, and Mission of A Woman's Place.
2. Provide individual and group counseling for child witnesses of domestic violence.
3. Plan and implement structured program and activities for children/youth under 18 yrs.
4. Provide on-going support for parent/caregiver on parenting issues and non-violent discipline through individual counseling as requested or identified as a need.
5. Provide on-going support with parent/caregiver in identifying each child's needs and developing a plan to address those needs.
6. Arrange for and supervise tutors that assist children with school work.
7. Compile statistical data for monthly, quarterly and year end reports.
8. Ensure that Community Children's Support Groups are staffed on a consistent basis.
9. Ensure timeliness and accuracy of data in all data collection activities.
10. Provide leadership in emergency situations in accordance with AWP policies and accepted medical/safety standards.
11. Provide supervision, mentoring and direction to student interns and volunteers.
12. Maintain playroom in shelter.
13. Assist in enrolling resident's children in local schools by scheduling registration, aiding in the completion of forms, and when possible providing or arranging transportation for the continuity of education.
14. Adhere to all policies of A Woman's Place

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit cover letter and resume to:

Erika Flayer, Counseling Manager

A Woman's Place

P. O. Box 299, Doylestown, PA 18901

FAX: 215.343.1163

Email: eflayer@awomansplace.org

PLEASE, NO PHONE CALLS.

Sexual Assault Worker/Educator, Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse, Calgary, Canada

Sexual Assault Worker/Educator

Posted on: November 10, 2014
Application deadline: November 25, 2014
Posted by: Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse

Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (CCASA) is the primary sexual violence service provider for Calgary and surrounding areas. CCASA is seeking a full-time Sexual Assault Worker/Educator to join our Outreach Program. This individual will establish strong working relationships with community groups and organizations to raise awareness about the issues of sexual abuse and assault with a primary focus on engaging ethno culturally diverse communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Building connections, relationships and partnerships with other service providers and diverse communities that are strategic, effective and sustainable in order to understand and meet the unique needs of diverse clients (with a specific focus on Asian and South Asian Communities)
• Facilitation of CCASA's community and professional education sessions
• Public speaking to children, youth and adults on topics related to sexual violence
• Respond to disclosures of abuse/assault in a professional, supportive manner, including assessing for risk and reporting to authorities when required
• Participate in creative and effective community and program development activities
• Provide crisis support, information, advocacy and referrals to community members when needed

• Successful applicant may be required to work some evenings and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in social/human services with a minimum 3 years related experience
• An understanding and comfort with issues related to sexual violence
• Possess an anti-oppressive/feminist analysis of sexual violence
• Language(s) other than English would be considered an asset
• Crisis intervention and assessment skills
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing demands and community groups
• Professional registration
• Strong public speaking, facilitation and community development skills

Please visit our website at www.calgarycasa.com for more information about our programs.

HOW TO APPLY

CCASA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse groups to apply.

Email, mail or fax resumes by 5:00 pm Nov. 25, 2014 to:

Education Program Director

910 – 7th Avenue SW (Northland Building)

Calgary, AB T2P-3N8

Fax: (403) 264-8355

Email: info@calgarycasa.com

No Phone Calls Please

Thank you for your interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Managing Supervising Social Worker, Urban Justice Center, New York, NY

Managing Supervising Social Worker

Posted on: October 19, 2014
Posted by: Urban Justice Center

The Urban Justice Center (UJC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of NYC's most vulnerable citizens. The Domestic Violence Project (DVP) at the Urban Justice Center is seeking to hire a licensed social worker to work with and on behalf of victims of domestic violence. DVP's mission is to help victims of domestic violence and their children live free of violence and abuse. We consider domestic violence in any type of relationship, regardless of gender or sexual identity, to be a human rights violation. Our work focuses on providing legal and social work services to promote justice and vigorously defend and protect victims' human rights. To accomplish this, our attorneys, social workers and advocates provide legal representation in NYC Family and Integrated Domestic Violence Courts, mental health services, advocacy, case management, and on-going domestic violence education and outreach activities throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

DVP seeks a social worker to work within a legal-psychosocial framework with survivors of domestic violence to provide therapeutic individual sessions; implement and supervise group sessions; provide economic empowerment and financial coaching to victims of domestic violence in community based clinics; as well as education and outreach throughout NYC about the clinical/psychological effects of domestic violence on victims and their children. This position requires an individual with skills in the development and implementation of high quality clinical services.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• LCSW preferred, LMSW considered.
• SIFI Certified or open to such certification.
• Demonstrated relevant experience with a minimum of three years programmatic management experience.
• Understand performance targets and can create a work plan to reach them efficiently.
• Participate in research studies or lead smaller group of staff to develop new best practices or revise existing strategies.
• Refer clients with legal issues to staff attorneys when appropriate.
• Knowledge and understanding of domestic violence and trauma.
• Proficiency working with individuals of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Be an effective presenter of DVP at outreach events.
• Highly motivated to cultivate new linkages.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills.
• Attend, participate and lead project check-in calls and meetings.
• Demonstrated energy, initiative, and forward thinking to yield high-impact results.
• Ability to work evenings if necessary.
• Ability to respond sensitively to clients' urgent needs.
• Exceptional interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills and the ability to apply these skills in diverse situations.
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and work as a team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Must be able to travel between boroughs.
• Interest and proclivity in working within a multi-disciplinary framework.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume and references via email to mbigelow@urbanjustice.org Please write "SOCIAL WORKER" in the subject heading. We regret that due to high volume, we are unable to respond to inquiries and will only contact those candidates selected for consideration. Please do not contact us via telephone or fax. People of color, LGBTQ individuals, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Urban Justice Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Resident Advocacy Coordinator, The Second Step, Newtonville, MA

Resident Advocacy Coordinator

Posted on: October 17, 2014
Posted by: The Second Step

The Second Step (TSS) seeks to break the cycle of domestic violence, one family at a time, by providing services to individuals & families that enable them to remain free from abusive relationships & live successful lives. Those individuals & families who enter our program have successfully taken the first step away from domestic violence. TSS provides support & advocacy services to connect them with a broad range of services, referrals, including education & employment training, permanent housing search, mental health & addiction services, legal services, parenting support & community advocacy support.

Mission statement: The Second Step, in partnership with survivors of domestic violence, creates safe, supportive community, identifies choices and builds foundations to transcend abuse.

Primary Objectives: Implementing case management & advocacy services within the philosophical framework of the agency including trauma-informed; strength based, relational & empowering practice.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Case Management/Advocacy

• Provide case management & advocacy services for 4 families (unless otherwise determined by supervisor) including child assessment & child goal plan development. 
• Develop service plans with residents that address a variety of needs such as medical, legal, educational, employment benefits, & behavioral health; work closely with other residential staff to assist families in obtaining their goals; actively engage in networking with community service providers to locate programs & resources that support resident goals. 
• Liaison & advocacy with community service providers to secure resources & provide services for children/families including: day care, summer camp, school after school, parent education, counseling, legal & health care. 
• Each resident coordinator shares in the responsibility of the scheduling interviews of prospective program participants; review of transitional housing application, checking references & orientating new participants to the program once admitted. 
• In collaboration with other Resident Service Coordinators, plan and schedule TSS Family Programming to include psycho-educational workshops, seminars with outside providers.

2. Housing Advocacy

• Provide housing advocacy & case management services to assigned families including budgeting counseling. 
• Assist families in obtaining financial resources for housing expenses related to acquiring permanent housing. 
• Develop & maintain positive working relationships with Housing Authorities. 
• Coordinate program participant's moves to permanent housing. 
• Ensure 'bridge meeting" is scheduled with Community Advocate prior to participant scheduled move out date.

3. Community Building

In collaboration with other residential staff, create a nurturing, supportive environment that facilitates families to build resilience & develop beyond the trauma they have experienced. This involves setting expectations & implementing policies, practices & systems that sustain safety & growth. A piece of this work is monitoring the environment for breaches to psychological &/or physical safety & intervening appropriately. Co-facilitate community meeting for residents once a week in the evening.

Other Responsibilities
· Attend & actively participate in weekly team meetings & agency wide staff meetings.
· Attend individual supervision
· Represent TSS at community events & forums as needed.
· Provide child-care as needed.
· Coordinate special events including holiday celebration for TSS program participants & other special events for residential clients as needed. Coordinate annual summer reunion & backpack drive with community program staff. Provide support for holiday gift drive.
· Participation in on-call rotation. (compensation provided)
· All other duties as assigned by Senior of Residential Programs or Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must be bilingual (English/Spanish). In addition, the ideal candidate will have: 

• 2-3 years experience working with survivors of domestic violence and/or homeless families & individuals in residential and/or community based programs. 
• Knowledge of issues related to domestic violence, trauma, mental health & addiction with a particular emphasis on how these issues impact families is essential. 
• Knowledge of issues related to child development & parenting is valuable. 
• Life & employment experience are considered as valuable assets.

Additional Qualifications include:
· Experience with public housing & appeals process
· Supervision experience
· Strong crisis management, problem-solving & interpersonal skills.
· Demonstrated ability to learn & master new skills & materials.
· Ability to train peers & share expertise with colleagues.
· Ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously & precisely
· Proficiency with computers; strong writing & verbal skills
· Organizational skills including the ability to work under pressure.
· Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
· Ability to work collaboratively & effectively in an environment that is linguistically & culturally diverse.

Hours: Full-time – Combination of days & evenings. 40 hours per week. Flexibility is very important.
A successful candidate will be flexible, have a sense of humor, & be committed to serving families that are determined to move beyond domestic violence. A driver's license is required in order to drive agency vehicles.

Salary & Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience (low-high $40s, depending on experience). Benefits outlined in the current personnel policies. On-site Clinical Supervision is provided bi-monthly. Compensation is provided for the On-Call coverage.

Equal opportunity: The Second Step encourages multi-cultural & multi-lingual diversity in all of its programs. Minorities, Bi-lingual, survivors of domestic & sexual violence, GBLTQ candidates strongly encouraged to apply. Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer

HOW TO APPLY

If you are interested: please send a resume and cover letter to our Senior Manager of Residential Programs: Ashley Shoares:  ashoares@thesecondstep.org