Victims Assistance Specialist/Rural Advocate

 

Summary: Provide consistent, comprehensive support, advocacy and safety planning to rural sexual assault and domestic violence victims.

Must possess a BS/BA in Social Work, Counseling or Human Services related field or have equivalent case management experience. The candidate must possess a valid North Carolina’s Driver’s license and be willing to travel within Cleveland County and within designated area of coverage. Must have good oral and written communication and computer skills. The individual must be a self-starter and be able to demonstrate the ability to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Abuse Prevention Council. Must be flexible and feel comfortable working in a variety of professional and community settings. 

·      Must be willing to work a non-traditional schedule

·      Must be willing to work over-night if necessary

·      Must be willing to work one evening a week

o  Provide one-on-one case management and safety planning for all identified rural victims of DV/SA.

o  Assist Court Advocate during weekly domestic violence court to identify and assist rural victims.

o  Provide follow-up services to rural victims identified through court, counseling and shelter programs.

o  Encourage and empower rural clients to actively engage in decision making

o  Coordinate essential transportation services for rural clients.

o  Network with rural service providers, law enforcement, churches and schools to promote APC services to victims in rural locations throughout Cleveland County.

o  Work with local housing authority and landlords to assist rural clients in finding safe, permanent housing.

o  Inform rural clients of in-person and online workshops/classes/support groups provided by APC or other community agencies to assist with their healing.

o  Help rural victims achieve goals relating to their safety, housing, employment, health/mental health, etc.

o  Help rural victims to overcome obstacles that may be impeding them from violence-free living.

·       Maintain a monthly after-hours, on-call calendar for the Crisis Companion Program.

·       Obtain, restock and organize clothing and handouts for the Crisis Companion bag.

·       Serve as on-call for periodic day and evening Crisis Companion response shifts.

·      Create and maintain accurate and confidential client records in the Osnium database.

·      Maintain daily schedule in Osnium Database.

·      Enter all client and call data into Osnium Database in a timely manner.

·      Collect and submit client statistical data (Excel spreadsheet) to supervisor on a monthly basis.

·      Submit all timesheets, stats and reports to supervisor in a timely manner.

 

·      Assist in the planning and implementation of events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

·       Attend and participate in weekly Case Review meetings.

·      Answer crisis line as needed and document calls in database

·      Represent the Abuse Prevention Council at relevant local, state and coalition sponsored meetings/conferences/trainings.

·      Other duties assigned by Supervisor or Executive Director