Family Advocate

The Family Advocate assists in providing crisis intervention, advocacy, and support to victims of crime served through the YWCA Cortland’s Aid to Victims of Violence program.

Responsibilities:

1. Represent the YWCA in a positive and professional manner in the community, at meetings, conferences, and other events. Attending weekly Aid to Victims of Violence staff meetings as well as required/mandatory training. Perform on-call duties as scheduled/needed. Be involved with fund-raising, educational & awareness events.
2. Provide advocacy services to victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and other crimes including, but not limited to conducting intakes, making referrals, providing counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning, transportation, accompaniment to forensic rape exams, law enforcement interviews, arranging emergency housing for victims fleeing domestic violence. Assist clients in filing compensation claims and filing family offense petitions.
3. Assist clients with emergency housing and with initial and follow up appointments at the Department of Social Services; coordinate and communicate, as needed, with DSS and other community service organizations regarding unmet needs and referrals.
4. Complete and electronically submit OVS claims and provide necessary follow up on behalf of the client. Draft and electronically submit (or deliver to Family Court) Family Offense Petitions providing follow up on behalf of the client as per protocol.
5. Maintain documentation and data collection regarding services provided. Ensure all elements of intake are documented and included in client files. Prepare and submit reports, Functional Time Record, payroll time sheets, etc.; complete and submit purchase orders with receipts included at the time of transaction.
6. Always maintain confidentiality of client information ensuring written information is securely stored as per procedure, Authorizations to Release forms are completed prior to any exchange of information with another entity or person.
7. Work in a cohesive manner with other advocates to maintain an orderly and consistent implementation of both operations and services for individuals in emergency housing.

Qualifications: Associates degree preferred, but minimum high school diploma (or equivalent) with 1 year experience working with victims of crime and one year of coursework toward an associate degree. Computer experience required.

Working Conditions: Conditions may exist that present exposure to infectious disease; light to moderate physical lifting; night driving/driving into unfamiliar areas and in inclement weather; interactions with clients in crisis.

Schedule: Works Tuesday-Saturday consisting of three-day shifts in the office, one overnight/evening on call shift and Saturdays on-call.

Reports to: Senior Case Advocate and Program Director

Apply online or email your completed application, cover letter, and resume to Jessica Smith at jsmith@cortlandywca.org.