Bilingual Domestic and Sexual Violence Mobile Advocate

Job Title: Bilingual Domestic and Sexual Violence Mobile Advocate

Classification: Full-time, exempt

Work Location: Arlington, VA

Doorways for Women and Families (Doorways) is an Arlington-based nonprofit agency helping individuals and families create pathways out of homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault leading to safe, stable, and empowered lives. At Doorways, we embrace Empathy, Integrity, Inclusivity, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Respect. These values are the foundation to our approach.

Our Approach:

There is no single cause of family or youth homelessness, and no single way that interpersonal violence affects people. While most of our clients are impacted by all of these traumas, Doorways’ services are available to all who are impacted by these hardships to ensure people have the right help to move forward. Knowing that the traumas of these life experiences often impact many aspects of family functioning, our services reach broadly and comprehensively to best support adults, youth, and children as they build on their unique strengths to create a brighter future.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Bilingual Domestic and Sexual Violence Mobile Advocate, the Bilingual Domestic and Sexual Violence Mobile Advocate works with survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault who access Doorways’ programs or services. The prospective candidate must share a passion for our mission, be an adaptable, self-reflective, empathetic team player with strong interpersonal skills, and have a desire to support the needs of survivors of intimate partner violence. The Bilingual D/SV Mobile Advocate will bring an understanding of cultural humility, conflict resolution and demonstrate self-initiative and a genuine interest in professional and personal growth. This individual should also demonstrate interest and proven skill in implementing best practices with survivors of IPV.

This position is full-time and requires a flexible work schedule required including some evening and weekend shifts. The position requires on-call availability; including: evenings, weekends, and holidays in conjunction with other staff. This position also requires personal transportation for frequent travel to client homes and community settings.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide culturally responsive crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and supportive counseling, hospital accompaniment services using trauma-informed practices to survivors of IPV.
• Conduct risk and needs assessments and safety planning.
• Assist IPV clients in locating and determining appropriateness of housing options.
• Coordinates and assists in client move-in/outs and monitor housing units for safety.
• Utilizes client-centered needs assessments, service plans and motivational interviewing to empower and motivate IPV clients toward achieving goals related to housing, childcare, employment, benefits, legal services, etc.
• Develop, organize, and facilitate culturally appropriate educational, informational workshops and outreach activities that support contract requirements.
• Provide consultation and domestic violence specific technical assistance to Arlington County service providers.
• Link families to other services such as job training, credit counseling, basic needs, or similar in a manner that promotes engagement, stability, self-sufficiency, and wellness of survivors.
• Monitor IPV clients for progress and review need for ongoing participation in the program.
• Maintain professional working relationships with collaborative partners; host collaborative meetings with community leaders, public officials, school faculty, faith leaders, and other service providers to inform service delivery and optimize the referral process with community partners.
• Complete required documentation and enter data into client database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Act as an advocate for client(s) across other systems such as CPS, housing, public benefits, etc.
• Uphold Doorways policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
• Respond cooperatively and flexibly to occasional changes in shift schedule to accommodate client outreach activities/community events.
• Participate in training as recommended by supervisor.
• Attend supervision, departmental and agency staff meetings as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, or related field.
• 1+ years relevant practice experience working in domestic/sexual violence/IPV field
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
• Thorough knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault; direct experience working in the human services field with families affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully accessing community resources.
• Flexible and a self-starter; able to multi-task while also being willing to “roll up the sleeves” and get tasks done.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft suite.
• Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team.
• Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, abilities, and religious backgrounds and an ability to work collaboratively in an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience working in social services and mental health fields.
• Knowledge and experience in trauma-informed Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) practices.

Additional Requirements:

• Completion of a CPS/Criminal Background Check
• Access to a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance.

Compensation:

• $51,000-$53,000 commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits – health/dental/vision, life, LTD, 403(b), etc.

Doorways for Women and Families is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

People of color, women, LGBTQ candidates, and people of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Doorways is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities.

See www.doorwaysva.org for more info

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.