Summary of Position
The Family Violence Advocate provides services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, dating violence, and stalking– this includes education, emotional support, and assistance with locating/utilizing resources.
Advocates will help facilitate the efforts to provide support groups, in-person counseling, and assist to provide direct and indirect case management, and crisis intervention. Advocates may be tasked to assist in community outreach – contacting organizations, such as criminal justice or social service agencies, to get help or information for victims. This is a non-exempt position.
Accountability
Reports to Client Services Manager
Core Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities have not yet been established.
Responsibilities
1. Participate in program activities, staff meetings, coalition meetings, and training regularly as directed by their
supervisor.
2. Maintain client and SHC personnel confidentiality.
3. Assist in case management, provide crisis intervention, and legal/court advocacy services as needed.
4. Maintain accurate daily records of activities and provide monthly/quarterly reports including resident files, record
keeping, and assisting with statistical information, as required by supervisor or director.
5. Maintain a professional work environment at the shelter and conduct all client services in a professional manner to
include personal and shelter appearances.
6. Providing a protective and caring environment for victims including women, children, and men at the shelter.
7. Networking and making referrals to appropriate agencies.
8. Advocacy for clients includes but not limited to:
a. Attending and advocating in civil and criminal justice proceedings.
b. Providing for safety and medical issues to include transportation, inpatient/outpatient services, attending
medical appointments, etc.
c. Assisting Case Manager with income maintenance and job services to include training in areas such as job
search, resume building, interview, and professional development.
d. Assist Case Manager with housing and other social services as appropriate.
9. Provide appropriate follow-up and documentation of emergency incidents or non-compliance of Shelter rules.
10. Interviewing and admitting clients according to Family Violence Shelter policies.
11. Answering telephones and managing the crisis line in a supportive manner. Participates in on-call rotation as
assigned.
12. Assist Case Manager in helping clients in identifying their options and services available to them.
13. Transporting clients and their children as directed.
Job Description: Family Violence Advocate 07/08/2024 Page | 2
14. Demonstrates communication skills with interactions with victims, other staff members, supervisors, and outside
agencies.
15. Provides other services and work duties, as assigned, to meet the needs of the Sacred Heart Center and its ability to
carry out its mission.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or
responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any
time with or without notice.
Qualifications
- Minimum of High School diploma or GED is required
- An associate degree or a degree in Social Work or related field preferred
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Previous experience as an advocate or client social services preferred
- Basic computer skills required
- Possess a valid South Dakota driver’s license
- Must have a current certificate or successfully complete CPR and First Aid training within the first two month of employment.
- Ability to successfully complete various training requirements as assigned as a condition of employment.
Physical Demands
- Driving is required.
- Some supervision may require standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
- The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Expectations of Hours Worked
40 hours per week including evenings, weekends and on-call as scheduled.