Domestic Violence Advocate

Mary's Center is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within our organization and the communities we serve.  We embrace diversity of experiences, ideas, and individuals, and seek to bring a diverse group of candidates to the table.

Important Note: Mary’s Center is mandating the COVID-19 vaccine booster for all staff.

This position description incorporates the core responsibilities of the job.  It is recognized that other related duties not specifically mentioned may also be performed, and that not all responsibilities may be carried out depending on operational needs.

Position Summary                                                                   

The Domestic Violence (DV) Advocate’s primary objective is to support victims and survivors of domestic violence with on-going case management as they take steps to become self-sufficient. The DV Advocate provides care coordination services to help navigate and connect to legal, health and DV service providers. The DV Advocate leads outreach activities to advocate, promote and educate the community on domestic violence and healthy relationships.

Reportability                                                                                     

This position will report directly to the Director of Social Services

Essential Duties and Responsibilities     

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 

 Advocacy and Care Coordination:

• Provide crisis intervention and ongoing case management to DV victims and survivors in need of support.
• Support DV victims and survivors to obtain protective orders, attend court hearings, and provide linkages to domestic violence service providers.
• Explain crime victims’ rights and support navigating through legal processes in civil and criminal courts for domestic violence.
• Assist DV victims/survivors with drafting individualized safety plans, help identify emergency contacts, and brainstorm other strategies to maximize safety.
• Educate the financial resources available to victims such as crime victim compensation programs, and support victims with the application process.
• Identify urgent housing needs of DV victims and support housing solutions.
• Refer services to address whole-person centered health and wellness to include medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services.
• Active member of the intervention team to provide assistance to families in modifying behaviors or conditions to promote healthy relationships.
• Participate in outreach activities and build community partnerships to educate on domestic violence and promote healthy relationships in the community.
• Lead domestic violence trainings for internal staff and for external staff at partner agencies.

Documentation:

• Enter all screenings, assessments, and encounter notes into electronic health record within 48 hours from date of service.
• Ensure all application forms are completed accurately and submitted with appropriate supporting documents. Upload all participants forms, court orders, safety plans and other documents into electronic health record.
• Create, document, and review individualized care plans with DV victims or survivors to measure progress towards goal completion.
• Draft grant program and progress reports as required by Director of Social Services.

 Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities –

• Associate degree in Social Work, Family Studies, Human Services; or a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in victim services.
• Experience with trauma-informed care.
• Ability to become a certified DV victim advocate via a multi-day 40-hour training.
• Abide by grant report timelines and deadlines.
• Implement case management skills independently to include care coordination, referral follow-up, and case closure.
• Possess knowledge of community resources that can address social drivers of health.

Bilingual language requirement: Must have the ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish as used by participants.

Physical Demands –Regularly required to sit; frequently required to reach with hands and arms, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear; must be able to lift objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds. 

Work Environment – This position serves the District of Columbia and is assigned to Mary’s Center’s Fort Totten, Petworth, and Ontario clinic locations. Mostly in a typical office or clinic setting with quiet to moderate noise level.  Opportunity to work a hybrid schedule – remotely & onsite, as needed.

The Benefits: 

• Health Insurance: medical, dental & vision – plus retirement options through 403(b) contribution and investment opportunities
• 25 days of paid leave annually (in addition to paid holidays), plus 5 educational days
• Tuition reimbursement of $2000/year towards education assistance and professional development 
• Transportation subsidy via metro & bus
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)