Overnight Domestic Violence Advocate

Make a Difference!!!

Relationship Safety Alliance fka Mid-MN Women’s Center in Brainerd is seeking a Domestic Violence Advocate.

An Individual needed to fill a rewarding position at a local 24-hr shelter for domestic abuse. The Domestic Violence Advocate will work with the goal of creating and building a community free of violence. This position is responsible for providing direct advocacy services to residents and crisis intervention, support, information, and referrals to individuals experiencing abuse.

Part-Time, up to 39 hours a week. Holidays and every other weekend shifts required. Sick time accrual, and vacation/holiday accrues after 6 months. Shifts are for Overnights (8pm to 6am).

Experience in social work or a human service related field is preferred but not required. Valid Driver’s license and satisfactory MN DHS background check is required. Job Description
The Relationship Safety Alliance fka Mid-Minnesota Women’s Center, Inc. (MMWC) is a nonprofit organization based in Brainerd, MN which operates two programs: Domestic Violence Shelter and Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center. It has been engaged in its mission to provide safety, advocacy, empowerment and education services since 1978. The shelter program provides confidential emergency housing for survivors of domestic violence along with their children and pets. During their stay, MMWC provides support, education, resources, referrals and programming that encourage empowerment, healing and life skills. The child safety center program provides confidential supervision and support to families who need assistance in re-establishing or maintaining a safe, healthy, nonviolent relationships between children and family members. The goal of the visitation and exchange program is to protect children’s safety, while providing quality services.
Role and Responsibilities
Specific Responsibilities of (Domestic Violence Advocate)

• Ensures and/or coordinates 24-hour victim-centered crisis intervention, support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.
• Promote survivor healing. Consider the victim/survivor and their unique needs and abilities first. Listen generously with presence, patience, belief and compassion.
• Assist victims in clarifying problems; providing information, identifying and exploring solutions and promoting self-advocacy.
• Ability to professionally coordinate and collaborate with community partners and systems representatives to access support and resources in the self-determined interests of each client.
• Ensure victim safety, confidentiality and respect.
• Hold self and others accountable to high standards of service.
• Coordinates necessary transportation for clients and their children.
• Assist victims in developing a safety plan.
• Model and maintain healthy, professional boundaries with clients.
• Perform (Domestic Violence Advocate) Duties
• Implement shelter and organization policies and procedures.
• Responsible for all aspects of daily shelter operations including the operation of security systems.
• Maintain current, timely and accurate records, shelter forms and data filing systems for clients and services rendered.
• Ensure a safe, clean environment for shelter residents and staff.
• Responsible, in conjunction with (co-workers), to clean and sanitize the facility on an ongoing basis and all resident rooms upon resident departure.
• Perform regular safety checks of all common areas and resident rooms.
• Assist with deposit of funds as requested.
• Willingness to perform other duties as assigned by (Executive Director, Program Manager, Lead, Volunteer Coordinator).
• Ensure Organizational Accountability & Accomplishment of Goals
• Assist in training and supervision of Interns, Volunteers and (Domestic Violence Advocates or Visitation Supervisors) who work closely with clients and residents.
• Participate in regular program and annual employee evaluations.
• Complete required continuing education training hours as directed.
• Participates in program meetings, staff meetings and MMWC trainings as requested.
• Exercise an atmosphere where clients and co-workers feel valued and empowered.
• Available to work alternate shifts (day, evening, overnight, weekend and/or holiday) if needed.
• Promote and support MMWC’s mission, goals/vision and overall purpose.
• Meet all Supervised Visitation Network standards and Office of Justice Programs – A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety requirements.
• Actively participate in events and activities sponsored by and on behalf of MMWC.
• Complete statistics and other reporting requirements for all grants and agency specific requests.
• When needed, serve as a representative of MMWC at community meetings and forums and share experiences with (Executive Director, Program Manager, Lead, Volunteer Coordinator).
• Report any updates or pertinent issues to the (Executive Director, Program Manager, Lead, Volunteer Coordinator).

Qualifications and Education Requirements Compassion, empathy and the ability to respond to individuals in crisis.

• Ability to work with people of all ages from diverse racial, cultural, religious, social and economic backgrounds and lifestyles. This applies to working with MMWC clients, residents and staff.
• Strong sense of discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent communication and organizational time-management skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and remain calm in crisis situations.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions individually and/or within a team.
• Ability to listen, support and remain open-minded and non-judgmental.
• Ability to contribute to the interagency culture of wellness and maintain a regular practice of self-care.
• Computer skills and experience using Microsoft Office programs or the ability to learn.
• Valid driver’s license, current auto insurance and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and reside within Region 5.

Preferred Skills Experience in providing advocacy and direct services.

• An understanding of the unique problems encountered by people with trauma-related experiences.
• An understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, and a willingness to learn.
• Hold current Adult, Pediatric and Infant CPR, 1stAid and AED Certification.

Essential Functions of (Domestic Violence Advocate)During your work hours, you will be required to write, talk, read, hear, see, operate office machinery, cook, clean, lift up to 40 lbs., move items and transport clients. Additional Notes MMWC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other legally protected status. All positions at MMWC are funded through a variety of state and federal grant funds. Unanticipated changes in funding may affect positions at MMWC. All positions are classified as “at will.”

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.13 - $21.13 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Overnight shift
• Rotating weekends

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Overnight Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person