Bilingual Advocate

Working at The Center for Empowerment and Education

The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE), formerly known as the Women's Center of Greater Danbury, is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of interpersonal violence. By joining the CEE team, you will help empower individuals to find their voice, choose their path towards healing, and rebuild their lives while fostering safer communities.

Since our founding in 1975, CEE has been a sanctuary for victims of domestic and sexual violence, serving as the sole provider of these critical services in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. Our mission is to break the cycle of interpersonal violence through empowerment, education, and support services, utilizing inclusive, trauma-informed, and client-centered practices.

Our vision is to create communities free from interpersonal violence for all individuals in our service areas. Each year, CEE supports over 22,000 individuals through a wide range of no-cost to the client and confidential services, available 24/7, 365 days a year.

CEE's key focus areas include:

· Emergency shelter

· Crisis navigation and advocacy

· Counseling

· Community education and outreach

· Primary prevention

· Training

Join us in making a difference and creating a safer, more empowered community.

Bilingual Advocate

Reports to: Manager of Crisis & Advocacy

Location: Main Office (In-Person)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Hours of work: 35 hours per week as scheduled, Monday – Friday. Occasional evening and weekend hotline coverage.

Position Summary

The Bilingual Advocate provides crisis support, safety planning, and advocacy services to victims and survivors of interpersonal violence who seek assistance through The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE). This position is to be carried out while empowering victims with respect to their safety and their right to self-determination. The Bilingual Advocate is a member of CEE's crisis and advocacy team.

Essential Responsibilities

Crisis Support

· Provide support and advocacy on CEE's hotlines for survivors of interpersonal violence during designated shifts, including hotline/backup coverage some nights and weekends.

· Use trauma-informed and culturally responsive communication strategies to ensure every client is served with dignity and care.

· Develop safety plans with clients and provide information and referral services to local outside agencies and resources.

· Respond to crisis needs such as hospital or MIT accompaniments during scheduled crisis shifts; coordinate transportation and other services for clients as needed.

· Work with Bilingual Intake Coordinator and Manager of Crisis and Advocacy for any shift swaps for crisis coverage.

· Complete all necessary paperwork promptly, including case records and other data required by the agency.

Advocacy

· Provide trauma-informed, client-centered, and culturally relevant individual and group support services, crisis intervention, and short-term counseling for individuals and families impacted by interpersonal violence.

· Develop short-term and long-term safety plans with clients and provide information and referral services to local outside agencies and resources.

· Provide resources and referrals to survivors regarding housing, basic needs, and other community support services.

· Collaborate with the Systems Liaison to support survivors navigating systems such as law enforcement, family/criminal courts, DCF, and immigration.

· Provide information and assistance to clients regarding the application of OVS victim compensation and CT SAVIN.

· Distribute and collect client surveys for clients receiving services.

Additional Responsibilities

· Maintain service records, complete reports and data to be submitted in a timely fashion in accordance with CCADV Program Standards, the Alliance and CEE policy.

· Enter all data and documentation into EmpowerDB within 24 business hours of providing services.

· Maintain in compliance with Connecticut statutes: C.G.S including but not limited to: Privilege: C.G.S K; Confidential Communication: C.G.S B) & C.G.S F), C.G.S.52-146k(e); and Confidential Record Keeping: C.G.S i)

· Build effective, cooperative, positive relationships with co-workers and other community partners.

· Demonstrate initiative and take independent action to ensure work responsibilities are carried out fully.

· Perform all job responsibilities in accordance with CCADV Standards, the Alliance and CEE policies. All other job responsibilities assigned are consistent with the mission of serving survivors and eradicating violence and will be designated by supervisors.

· Participate in CEE staff meetings, trainings, events, programs, and initiatives

· Travel as required.

Key Competencies

· Strong multitasking and prioritization skills in a high-demand, fast-paced role.

· Excellent interpersonal skills with a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.

· Highly organized, with the ability to adapt quickly in crisis situations.

· Conflict resolution and emotional regulation in challenging or emotional client interactions.

· Discretion and professionalism with confidential information.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in social service or related field

· Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish and/or Portuguese required to effectively communicate with clients.

· Experience with crisis lines or front desk triage preferred.

· High comfort level working with diverse populations, including undocumented individuals, LGBTQ+ survivors, youth, and people with disabilities.

· Requires the ability to respond calmly and quickly in high-pressure or emotionally intense situations.

· Ability to work as an individual as well as a team member.

· Ability to be flexible and juggle multiple demands.

· Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

· Reliable transportation and a working cell phone are required.

· Proficiency in common software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom) and ability to learn client record systems such as EmpowerDB.

· Strong understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma-informed care.

· Basic crisis intervention and counseling skills, group facilitation skills.

· Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and working cell phone required.

Working Conditions:

This position requires frequent travel between main and satellite offices and occasional work at community partner sites (e.g., hospitals, police departments, court settings). The role may involve occasional evening or weekend hours to meet client or agency needs.

Physical Demands

· Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (e.g., sitting or standing).

· Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers and phones.

· Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds (e.g., outreach materials, program supplies).

· Occasional driving, walking, or standing at outreach or court sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential functions to the extent The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) may do so without undue hardship. The term "Qualified individual with a disability" means an individual who with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $30.40 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings