Job Information
South Middlesex Opportunity Council Victim Advocate, HER House (Temporary) in Worcester, Massachusetts
Summary: The Victim Advocate is responsible for providing support and advocacy for women experiencing homelessness, Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or Human Trafficking, with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. and suffered sexual assault. The role requires a compassionate and dedicated individual who can navigate complex emotional and social issues while promoting the empowerment of shelter guests. The Victims’ Advocate assists with overseeing shelter operations while maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Both part-time and full-time positions are available, multiple Shifts
7-3 PM ; 3-11 PM ; 11-7 AM
Why Work for SMOC?
Paid Time Off: All full-time employees can accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of sick time and are eligible for 12 paid holidays during their first year of employment.
Employer-paid Life Insurance & AD&D and Long-Term Disability for full-time employees.
Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical Plans through Mass General Brigham with an HRA Employer cost-sharing program, Dental Plans with Orthodontic Coverage, and EyeMed Vision Insurance available to full-time employees.
403(B) Retirement Plan with a company match starting on day one for all full-time and part-time employees.
Additional voluntary benefits including; Term and Whole Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital indemnity, and Short-Term Disability.
Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provide direct support to survivors of CSE, offering crisis intervention, emotional support, guidance, resources.
Conduct intake assessments to understand the needs of each shelter guest.
Participate in coverage of this 24hour shelter to ensure safety of guests, staff, and shelter site.
Advocate for guests’ rights and needs within the shelter and with external agencies, including assistance with navigating the legal system.
Collaborate with community supports to increase quality of case management services.
Conduct intensive and individualized case management.
Facilitate access to resources such as treatment centers, medicated assisted treatment, medical care, behavioral health services etc.
Maintain accurate records of client interactions and case progress in compliance with confidentiality standards.
Maintain appropriate logs and files for each shift; Check with other staff and read log for information pertinent to previous shift.
Report problems and rule infraction to Program Director through written log. Report emergencies immediately to appropriate supervisor
Participate in community outreach programs.
Treat each guest with dignity and respect, maintain guest confidentiality and establish appropriate boundaries with guests.
Engage in conflict management strategies to help resolve crisis and disputes effectively while utilizing trauma informed care and de-escalation techniques that remain conducive with providing safe care.
Stay informed about best practices in trauma informed care, human trafficking prevention strategies, and relevant legal frameworks.
Attend and participate in internal and external meetings and trainings as required including supervision.
Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.
Attend & participate in 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:
Experience working with individuals within systems of prostitution and ability to provide trauma informed care.
Understanding of substance use and mental health disorders.
Knowledge of community recourses, specifically for individuals experiencing substance use and mental health disorders.
Strong skills in crisis management and crisis intervention techniques.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to work collaboratively with various agencies and professionals within the community.
A compassionate approach toward helping individuals navigate difficult circumstances.
Basic computer skills to maintain training as assigned.
CPR and First Aid Certified
Organizational Relationship: Directly reports to Program Manager; Indirectly reports to Program Director.
Physical Requirement: Ability to lift 50lbs or more. Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
Working Conditions: 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.
Remote Work Option: Remote work is permissible in some positions at SMOC depending on the key functions and responsibilities. The Program Advocate position is eligible to work from home 0% of the week in scheduling coordination with the department manager.
We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace
Both part-time and full-time positions are available
Multiple Shifts
7-3 PM
3-11 PM
11-7 AM
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