Job Information
South Middlesex Opportunity Council Residential Program Advocate-VAV in Framingham, Massachusetts
SUMMARY
Provide overnight and weekend coverage at residential program for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Answer the Support Line and provide direct services to callers and residents including crisis intervention, emotional support, advocacy, information, and referral in accordance with the funder-allowable services.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for overseeing shelter operations during shift, including ongoing assessment of shelter and resident safety; perform minor cleaning/maintenance tasks to ensure cleanliness and hygiene.
Interpret shelter rules and policies for residents and support their engagement.
Provide support and assistance to residents and their children including risk assessment, safety planning, information and referral, and the identification of appropriate options.
Answer the Support Line and provide emotional support, information and referrals to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence; responsible for conducting intakes for requests for medical advocacy and contacting the on-call advocate to respond.
Provide transportation as needed to facilitate service delivery.
Record shelter activity in log at the end of each shift and review individual records; complete data entry in Empower Data Base as needed.
Attend staff and supervision meetings as required.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
Attend & participate in engagement team meetings as requested and communicate effectively with clients and staff in other areas.
Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.
Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
High School degree or equivalent.
Previous experience with sexual assault or domestic violence survivors strongly preferred.
Fluent (written and spoken) in Spanish or Portuguese a plus.
Strong verbal & written communication skills required.
Must have a valid driver’s license, meet insurance standards.
Upon hiring, must successfully complete a mandatory 40-hour training or show proof of successful completion.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
Directly reports to Shelter Program Manager.
Indirectly reports to none.
Direct reports of this position are none.
Indirect reports of this position are none.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to drive, travel by car.
Ability to traverse multi story residential properties where no elevator is available.
Ability to do general housekeeping/cleaning
WORKING CONDITIONS
Some Travel is required. As part of the responsibilities of this position, the program advocate will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.
Saturday & Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm
15 Hours per week