Advocate (Crime Survivor Program)

What we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Two years of related experience, such as advocacy or human services, required.
• Crisis intervention skills, required.
• Broad knowledge of quality services for people with disabilities.
• Experience working with people with disabilities and people from diverse communities.
• Strong commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and other diverse and underserved populations of crime survivors.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize tasks.
• Bilingual in Spanish, American Sign Language, or second language, preferred.
• This position requires occasional travel for approximately 10% of the position including potential overnights or multiple days.
• Excellent communication and social skills including the ability to handle situations patiently and tactfully. Ability to listen and respond in a diplomatic manner in person and over the telephone (including TTY).
• Ability to deal effectively with, and negotiate through, confrontational situations and stressful interactions with sensitivity, patience, and compassion to the concerns of persons with disabilities.
• Ability to work in a nonjudgmental way with survivors of violence and treat all people with dignity and respect.
• Ability to write reports and correspondence with clients. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Must be able to provide people with disabilities the opportunity for self-determination and empowerment.
• Able to use trauma informed intervention skills to advocate persistently. Is able to communicate using patience and negotiating skills.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment.
• Job requires specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, presentation creation/editing, communicate by e-mail, use scheduling software, Google Apps, Microsoft Office Suite, and PC operating systems. Effectively uses computer to research.

What you can expect to accomplish:

• Conduct intake and interviews with clients and family members in office and in facilities to determine eligibility, identify issues, and provide information and referral.
• Develop cases by interviewing relevant individuals and collecting and reviewing records, evaluations, and expert records.
• Gather information about complaints from crime survivors who have a disability to develop an advocacy plan.
• Provide direct advocacy services in a timely manner by acting on behalf of clients.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Maintain current and detailed knowledge of policies, laws, services and issues relevant to clients.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, service providers, prosecutors, courts, and consumer groups.
• Participate in case review with team and formulate advocacy plan in conjunction with team.
• Assist in development, implementation and evaluation of VOCA Program goals and objectives.
• Provide training and technical assistance on disability rights and program services as directed.
• Attend meetings of consumer groups, service-providers, and other appropriate bodies as requested.
• Participate in agency outreach and public relations.
• Assist in development and production of agency publications to inform clients.
• Participate in development and implementation of advocacy strategies on behalf of clients.

• Represent DRO on committees and task forces related to the program, as assigned. 

What we offer [besides a rewarding job!]:

• Flexible cafeteria benefit plan to use for employer sponsored Medical and Dental insurance
• 14 paid holidays including floating holidays
• Vacation time and paid sick leave
• Employer funded retirement account
• Cafeteria/flexible spending accounts
• Competitive compensation
• Employer paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and short-term disability insurance
• Malpractice insurance
• Paid association dues and professional development opportunities

What is the Duration of this Position?

This is grant-funded positions for 3-years. Although the grant is expected to end on December 31, 2023, the hope is that additional funding will be obtained to extend employment.