Bilingual Confidential Victim Advocate

SYNOPSIS:   This position is for a bilingual advocate (English and Spanish speaking). The person in this position is responsible for providing advocacy to domestic violence and/or sexual assault clients.  Advocacy includes, but is not limited to, support, safety planning, information and referrals, assistance with the protective order process, court support, crisis intervention, hospital call-outs and community outreach and education.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

CLIENT SERVICES

·         Utilize bilingual skills to serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence

·         Provide crisis intervention, information, referrals, safety planning, and support in person and on the phone; complete follow-up with survivor per department policy

·         Provide assistance with the protective order process

·         Provide education and information to the survivor to support informed choices

·         Maintain confidentiality as directed by the survivor and in compliance with Colorado statute

·         Work cooperatively with other agencies and individuals involved with the survivor to assure comprehensive service delivery to the survivor and children

·         Provide on-call services to survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence to area hospitals.

·         Deliver programs and services in a manner that is respectful and sensitive to the survivors’ cultural experience

·         Identify gaps in the systems that survivors navigate and address those gaps appropriately

·         Conduct community education presentations, training, and outreach as needed

·         Recommend multicultural services, programming, and outreach as appropriate

·         Provide training, instruction, guidance and support to volunteers and interns

·         Assist with translating materials from English into Spanish

·         Understand department objectives and how they relate to the goals of the agency

·         Provide support to other departments

·         Prevent, identify, and remove discriminatory barriers in services provided

·         Work with Advocacy Manager to further develop bilingual resources and advocacy for survivors

RECORD KEEPING
·         Complete documentation of initial survivor meeting, e.g. Intake and Contact Summary notes, and any additional documentation associated with survivor contacts per department protocol

·         Maintain survivor records in a timely and accurate manner

·         Communicate and follows up on necessary information

·         Assist in collecting and entering client statistics for program management and grant reporting

 

CULTURAL INCLUSIVITY

·         Recognize that we hold attitudes and beliefs that can detrimentally influence our perceptions of and interactions with individuals who are diverse from ourselves

·         Recognize the importance of multicultural sensitivity, responsiveness to, knowledge of, and understanding about diversity

·         Apply the principles of multiculturalism and diversity in training and staff development.

·         Apply culturally appropriate skills in all interactions with clients, co-workers, volunteers, partner agencies, and other community members

·         Use organizational change processes to support culturally informed organizational policies and procedures

 

Other

·         Commit to TESSA’s organizational mission, vision, and operating philosophy

·         Treat survivors with respect, dignity, and empathy

·         Attend staff, other relevant meetings, trainings, and in-services

·         Other duties and projects as requested by manager

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·         B.A. or B.S. Degree preferred

·         Fluency in Spanish required

·         Two years relevant experience; equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

·         Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence issues and experience working with DVSA victims

·         Excellent organizational, communication, problem solving, and inter-personal skills

·         Attention to detail

·         Displays a positive attitude, works well with others, and accepts direction well.

·         Ability to work well under stressful and emotionally-taxing circumstances and engage in effective self care.

·         Ability to empathize, encourage and guide

·         Available to work evenings or weekends when necessary

·         Must be proficient in Microsoft Office and have general computer skills

·         Possess vision and hearing sufficient to work on a computer, on the phone and in person

·         Ability to lift 50lbs, intermittently

·         Valid driver’s license and car insurance

·         Must be willing to complete background checks

·         Ability to read, write and speak English and Spanish

·         Fluency in ASL preferred

 

The following experience/knowledge is not required but helpful:

·         Background in direct services for battered women or sexual assault programming

·         Familiarity with the criminal and civil court system

·         Experience in community organizing

 

 

Benefits

·         14 paid holidays

·         3 personal days

·         Accrued PTO

·         Accrued Sick Time

·         Health Insurance

·         Dental Insurance

·         Vision Insurance

·         401K with employee match

·         Flexible work hours

 

PAY RATE: $17-$19/hr DOE