Domestic Violence Victim Advocate

Description

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Advocacy and Client Support

a. Provides crisis intervention, emotional support, advocacy, and information to survivors of domestic violence and their family members.

b. Conducts individualized safety planning and risk assessment based on the unique needs and circumstances of each survivor.

c. Assists survivors in identifying goals, developing action plans, and navigating available resources and services.

d. Provides coordination of services, case management, and ongoing support, including orientation to services, safety planning, referrals, and follow-up.

e. Connects survivors to internal HCHC services and external resources including housing, public benefits, legal services, counseling, health care, transportation, childcare, employment supports, and other community resources.

f. Accompany survivors to court hearings, legal appointments, and other supportive services, as appropriate.

g. Assist survivors with preparation for court proceedings, victim compensation applications, restraining orders, and other legal processes.

h. Conducts home visits and community-based meetings when appropriate and when consistent with program safety protocols.

i. Provides support and information to family members and supportive individuals identified by the survivor.

Community Collaboration

a. Collaborates with local and state law enforcement agencies, court personnel, health care providers, schools, social service agencies, and domestic violence service providers to coordinate services on behalf of survivors.

b. Participates actively in multidisciplinary teams, coordinated community response efforts, and domestic violence task force activities.

c. Maintains collaborative relationships with regional domestic violence programs, victim service organizations, and community partners.

d. Accepts and responds to referrals from community agencies, health care providers, law enforcement, schools, and self-referrals.

Outreach, Prevention, and Education

a. Assists with community outreach, awareness, prevention, and education initiatives related to domestic violence and healthy relationships.

b. Represents HCHC and the domestic violence program at community meetings, events, trainings, and collaborative initiatives.

c. Supports outreach efforts designed to increase awareness of services among underserved and rural populations.

d. Helps identify community needs, barriers to services, and opportunities for system improvement.

Documentation and Compliance

a. Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential client records in accordance with program requirements, grant regulations, organizational policies, and applicable federal and state confidentiality laws.

b. Completes required data collection, reporting, and outcome documentation in a timely manner.

c. Follows all program, agency, and funding-source policies, procedures, and protocols.

d. Maintains compliance with survivor confidentiality standards and informed consent requirements.

e. Participates in quality improvement activities and program evaluation efforts.

Professional Responsibilities

a. Attends required staff meetings, supervision sessions, trainings, and professional development activities.

b. Maintains current knowledge of domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care practices, victim rights, and available community resources.

c. Demonstrates cultural humility and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination.

d. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required:

• •Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Public Health, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• •Minimum two years of experience working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, trauma, crisis intervention, social services, or a related field.
• •Demonstrated understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, trauma, and victimization.
• •Strong interpersonal, communication, advocacy, and organizational skills.
• •Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaborative relationships.
• •Proficiency with electronic documentation and data systems.