Bilingual Advocate

Position Summary and Primary Duties

Under the direction of the Director of Programs and oversight of WCET and its funders, provide holistic client-centered and trauma informed care, including advocating and promoting public awareness regarding domestic violence and sexual assault individuals to all clients, including those who are First Language English (FLE) and English Second Language (ESL).

Essential Duties

The following are the duties and responsibilities associated with the position. Reasonable accommodation will be provided, as needed.

Program and Direct Services

• Identify and address the needs of survivors for support services in the WCET service area.
• Provide acute crisis intervention and comprehensive peer support to survivors and their families across all the counties served by WCET. 
• Provide legal advocacy, including but not limited to assistance in accessing protective orders, navigating the criminal legal system/process and civil legal remedies. Provide support to clients when visiting with their attorneys by accompanying them to appointments if desired.
• Provide housing and residential support to all clients including assistance with rent, utilities, legal support, and other residential needs. 
• Follow WCET programs and processes to support survivors in developing a plan for self-sufficiency. 
• Complete required paperwork and data entries, by the next business day, to document services provided.
• Comply with standards issued by WCET and its funders. 
• Model healthy and positive relationships within the agency and other community partners to ensure optimal utilization of resources and efficient management of the program.
• Forward new resources or information learned from webinars, workshops, seminars, and conferences with other staff members.
• Facilitate a support group or group class for survivors as directed by Director of Programs. 
• Provide on-call coverage in accordance with on-call guidelines when scheduled (e.g. HEART calendar). 
• Provide shelter coverage or client transportation as needed or assigned.
• Participate in Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Awareness months' activities and promotion of public awareness issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Develop and maintain relationships with organizations, agencies, and other referral resources that provide services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
• Continually improve skills/knowledge related to job duties by attending appropriate workshops, seminars, trainings, and conferences as directed by the Director of Programs.
• Participate in the development and presentation of volunteer and staff trainings as assigned.
• Attend and participate in agency staff meetings and other agency functions.
• Participate in Multi-disciplinary Teams (MDT), Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG), or other community meetings in designated coverage area.
• Check work email every business day and provide timely responses.
• Some evenings and weekends are required. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Hotline

• Answer and respond to 24-hour hotline offering safety planning, problem solving, resources, and assistance with client's immediate needs.
• Utilize active listening skills and quality telephone crisis intervention and complete the necessary documentation. 
• Determine shelter eligibility and/or the immediate needs of caller including, but not limited to law enforcement, MHMR, CPS, APS, etc. or other appropriate referral.
• Schedule outreach appointments for the soonest available time.  Ensure appointment is scheduled with the appropriate outreach office and advocate, and that the advocate has been notified.
• Arrange and/or provide emergency transportation for eligible callers to access shelter services.
   

Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

• Client service hours as indicated by database.
• Deadlines met and reporting accuracy.
• Number of WCET endorsed events attended.
• Number of education and training events facilitated.
• Attendance of WCET approved training and continuing education.
• Goals as determined by the Director of Programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1 year experience in social work or human services field preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or human services field preferred or a combination of education and experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Proficient in writing and speaking both English and Spanish. 
• Compassionate and client-focused.
• Ability to perform computer functions (e.g. MS Office, data software, etc).
• Team player.
• Ability to travel to all counties within WCET service area. 
• Ability to work occasional nights and weekends, as needed. 

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions

With reasonable accommodation, must have the ability to:

• Respond to telephones, written correspondence, and other auditory and visual stimulation.
• Remain calm under stress and have the emotional and physical stamina to deal with a variety of stressful situations.
• Occasionally work outside during day or night hours and/or inclement weather.
• Travel: 10-20%.