COMPREHENSIVE DIRECT SERVICES ADULT/CHILDREN ADVOCATE

Independence House, Inc. (IH) is a comprehensive domestic & sexual violence community based agency and shelter program in Barnstable County that focuses on meeting the unique and cultural needs of survivors and their children. We provide safety, food, shelter, advocacy, counseling and other resources to assist survivors in rebuilding violence-free lives for themselves and their children. IH is committed to the values of inclusivity, equality, anti-oppression, non-hierarchical structure, a non-judgmental and empowerment framework. IH works closely with other agencies in the community, to provide a comprehensive network of resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their children. IH works with these agencies and other community groups to provide education, prevention and training about domestic & sexual violence toward community transformation and change. Please see our website at www.independencehouse.org for more information.

The Comprehensive Direct Services Advocate is responsible for providing a continuum of in-person direct services to children & adults who have experienced domestic and sexual violence.

RESPONSIBILITIES / SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES

• • Accept referrals from other agencies.
  • Provide individual and/or group counseling
  • Provide comprehensive high quality intake and assessment for adult DV & SA survivors and children who witness violence.
  • Provide individual counseling to adult & child victims and witnesses at Independence House.
  • Provide intake, referral and advocacy for children.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with other service providers serving children & adults.
  • Plan, develop, and facilitate groups for children & adults who witness domestic violence.
  • Interface with community.
  • Comply with contract reporting requirements.
  • Maintain a caseload to meet needs of clients.
  • Must work evenings, nights or weekends when necessary to meet program needs.
  • Responsible for maintaining active communication and linkages with public and private schools, service agencies, police & fire departments, EMTs and town agencies and all systems as appropriate.
  • Regular and timely reporting: activities.
  • Other direct service duties as appropriate and related to the position.
  • Complete all necessary paperwork.
  • Other duties as appropriate and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• • Knowledge of domestic and sexual violence as they relate to adults & children
  • Strong counselling & technological skills
  • Strong group work skills
  • Ability to effectively communicate with others via oral and written word
  • Strong counseling foundation and understanding of ethical standards
  • Ability to function as part of a team
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with adults & children, other Independence House staff, the public, and funders
  • Strong commitment to victims/survivors
  • Knowledge of policy & practice issues regarding domestic and sexual violence
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Confidence and ability to work with diverse clients and staff
  • Public speaking skills to inform public of services
  • Ability to work in a busy environment.
  • Committed to cultural competency and embody the mission and values of Independence House.
  • Demonstrated team spirit and commitment to team work and an anti-oppression framework.
  • Proficient with computers and social media.
  • Bi-Lingual or Tri-Lingual preferred

REQUIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• • Candidate must have a MSW or equivalent with a minimum of one year experience working with issues of trauma, preferably with teens, domestic violence and sexual assault clients.
  • Knowledge of child development and effects of domestic and sexual violence. Candidates with Bachelor’s degree and sufficient relevant experience may be considered.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of the IH Domestic & Sexual Violence training
• Satisfactory Criminal Background Check
• Must possess a valid MA driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance, and have access to a vehicle during work hours
• Must obtain or maintain account with a financial institution for direct deposit of paychecks

Vacation, Sick & Holidays