Bilingual Advocacy Coordinator

Starting wage for this position is $15 per hour, depending on education, knowledge and experience.

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time
SALARY CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
SERVICE AREA: Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocacy Coordinator with an immigration focus
SUPERVISOR: Shelter Director

POSITION PRIMARY PURPOSE:
To provide crisis intervention, information and referral, advocacy support, legal advocacy, transportation, accompaniment and follow-up assistance to primary and secondary victims of domestic and sexual violence. To provide a dedicated focus on assisting clients with immigration related needs who have a history of domestic and sexual violence.

QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or GED necessary. Associates degree preferred. Bilingual (Spanish/English) required. Experience advocating for victims of domestic and sexual violence preferred. Computer skills are necessary. Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Demonstrated ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
* Ability to facilitate meetings, work independently and cooperatively.
* Strong organizational, critical thinking and analytical skills.
* Skilled in managing crisis situations, and communication of difficult topics.
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
* Ability to relate and accept the population served

RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Coordinators will provide assistance in meeting the self-defined needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Tasks:
1) Assist victims in completing paperwork related to the immigration process when they have been a victim of a domestic or sexual violence crime.
2) Provide translation services for victims, both in writing and orally.
3) Help ensure access to 24 hour crisis services for victims by participating in calling tree during non-business hours as a responder for sexual assault victim advocacy services in service area.
4) Assist victims in planning for their safety and the safety of their children.
5) Assist in maintaining provisions for safe emergency shelter for victims.
6) Provide information about the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and available resources and provide referrals that foster self-sufficiency.
7) Accompany victims to appointments for resources which aid in ending the violence in their lives and promote healing.
8) Coordinate with other agencies to enhance safety for victims and accountability for those who have perpetrated the violence.
9) Intervene by making direct contact with service providers when agency personnel fail to meet safety needs victims of domestic and sexual violence.
10) Provide information to victims about legal options available to them and assist in completing and filing protective orders.
11) As appropriate, promote and assist in reporting to law enforcement
12) When appropriate, promote evidentiary exams and support victims through hospital assessment and collection of evidence.
13) Facilitate support groups for victims of domestic /sexual violence in both English and Spanish.

B. The Advocate will provide legal advocacy services for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Tasks:
1) Assist victims at civil court hearings including order for protection hearings, harassment restraining order hearings, and civil hearings for divorce, child custody, visitation, etc.
2) Maintain a filing system and data base to keep track of civil court hearings and decisions.
3) Maintain schedule of civil court hearings for all advocates to access and review.

C. The Advocate will be an active participant of the Safe Avenues Team.
Tasks:
1) Attend all required trainings.
2) Attend and participate in Safe Avenues staff meetings and case consultation meetings.
3) Seek out and attend trainings that maintain skills and promote methods of providing quality services to victims of domestic and sexual violence.
4) Follow all policies and procedures of Safe Avenues.
5) Provide support in accomplishing program goals.
6) Positively interact with individuals, organizations, and system partners to further develop cooperative and collaborative efforts in responding to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and families in need.
7) Represent programs, employees, and administrative direction positively.
8) Actively seek out supervisor when assistance is needed.
9) Communicate with supervisor, other employees, and clientele to proactively solve conflict, keep informed, and foster team spirit.
10) When exercising duties, consciously consider the welfare of clientele and program.
11) Take responsibility for assigned duties and show initiative in seeking additional duties.
12) Complete other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

To apply, please complete an application and attach a cover letter and resume through our website www.willmarshelter.com. The application is under the career tab. (Click "Apply")

If you have questions please call Jen Johnson at 320.235.0475 or email jenj@willmarshelter.com.

Safe Avenues Is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Equal Opportunity Provider