POSITION SUMMARY

The Victim Advocate is responsible for providing support and advocacy for the rights and protection of survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The Advocate will be responsible for the assessment of the individual survivor’s needs and will work together with other community resources to fulfill those needs which may include shelter, counseling, referrals, general advocacy, and support.

Department: Family Services
Reports to: Director of Family Services
Location: CLUES St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN Offices
Position Type: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time. Generally, Monday – Friday Office hours. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.
Estimated Pay: $20.00 to $22.00 (depending on experience & qualifications).
Benefits: Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies—includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy at the individual and system level in English and Spanish.
• Conduct safety planning, assessment of immediate needs and assist Domestic Violence and/or Sexual Assault survivors with determining next steps to ensure safety following the incident.
• Assist survivors of crime when requested by law enforcement at crime scenes, hospitals or other safe locations. Accompany survivors to court, legal, medical when appropriate.
• Provide survivors with support, referrals, linkages, and information related to community resources, crime victim’s rights, crime victim compensation information and applications, and orders for protection as appropriate.
• Recruit participants for and facilitate support groups for survivors of sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Coordinate logistics for support groups including but not limited to location, food, participant transportation, and childcare room volunteers (approved through CLUES Volunteer Services) as assigned.
• Provide crisis intervention 24/7 for survivors of sexual assault and answer hotline when on on-call rotation.
• Drive and transport clients in personal motor vehicle when appropriate while maintaining all necessary safety precautions (wearing seatbelts, observing traffic laws, using properly installed car seats for small children, etc.).
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and necessary paperwork, including case noting/case history records, documentation of services and referral provided, and other reporting as assigned.
• Collect data and provide reporting on program as assigned. Prepare statistical and written reports as required by department and funding sources in a timely manner (e.g., monthly, quarterly & yearly).
• Provide outreach and education to social services providers and general community about Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, human trafficking.
• Collaborate with supervisor and team in policy and systems change efforts to raise community awareness regarding sexual violence in the community. Assist in developing and organizing annual sexual and domestic violence prevention and awareness campaign.
• Participate in community meetings, forums, trainings and collaborations as required.
• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards.
• Complete required trainings, including sexual assault 40 hours training.
• Carry out other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience & Key Abilities*

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field required.
• Experience providing crisis intervention and survivor advocacy preferred.
• Awareness of, and strategies for coping with stress, and or vicarious trauma.
• Experience working with children and families preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish & English with cultural sensitivity and awareness required. Bi-cultural individuals strongly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete files and data collection documentation required.
• Ability to have flexible work schedule required, may include some evening hours and/or weekends.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
• Ability to work as a team member and independently to achieve program goals
• Understanding of HIPAA, confidentiality and professional boundaries, and ability to incorporate into daily job performance required.
• Comfortable working with people from a diverse range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds required.
• Working knowledge of resources in the community required.
• Experience in group facilitation/group dynamic.
• Position requires driving and transporting clients at times in personal vehicle. Therefore, having and maintaining access to a motor vehicle, valid driver’s license, proof of automotive insurance, and a good driving record and driving history is required.

*Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Language Skills

• Effective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing, required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, including reports, contracts, and proposals.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and information in an organized and effective manner, including writing reports.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and respond appropriately to questions from clients, co-workers, management and external parties.

Transportation

• Must have a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.

Computer Skills

• Proficient working knowledge of email software, the Internet, databases, and common Windows-based programs, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.
• Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Background check

• Must pass a criminal background check, fingerprinting study, MS-604.20 background check, and driving record check. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of these background checks.

ABOUT US

Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) is a non-profit leader in behavioral health and human services. The organization was founded in 1981 with a vision for improving the quality of life of the Latino population in Minnesota. Today, CLUES is Minnesota’s largest Latino agency. Our mission is to advance social and economic equity and wellbeing for Latinos by building upon our strengths and cultures, uplifting our community, and activating leadership for systemic change. Although our services focus on the Latino family, our experience and capabilities enable us to serve individuals and families from all walks of life including new immigrants and low-income families who dream of a better future. Our programs and services encompass a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interrelated barriers our community faces, including programming that advances Community Wellness, Community Leadership, and Community Prosperity. Our services uphold and celebrate cultural richness and community assets as we connect individuals and families to resources, skills, institutions, and opportunities. We employ a diverse, multi-cultural staff to ensure our services are linguistically and culturally relevant. CLUES is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Note: As a federal contractor, CLUES is preparing for a potential requirement that employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a medical or religious exemption. At the time of an employment offer, we will request proof of vaccination status or provide the process/forms for medical or religious accommodation.
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