FAMILY VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCATE JOB DESCRIPTION

YWCA GREENWICH

PART-TIME FAMILY VIOLENCE VICTIM ADVOCATE JOB DESCRIPTION

Harmony Project, a department of the YWCA Greenwich, is seeking an experienced advocate to join our dedicated and highly trained team. Harmony Project is a state designated domestic violence service provider and member of the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as well as a RAIN-affiliated provider of sexual violence services. Harmony Project delivers a full spectrum of services for those impacted by domestic and sexual violence, including a 24/7 crisis hotline and Lethality Assessment line, individual and group counseling, emergency shelter, criminal court advocacy, civil legal clinic services, and more, for adults, teens, and children. All services are free and confidential.

All direct services to clients are to be delivered using a trauma-informed and client-defined approach. Candidates must be empathetic, trauma-informed, and able to adapt to an ever-changing environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• • The Family Violence Victim Advocate will be responsible for providing client-defined and culturally sensitive victim advocacy to all victims of family violence crimes that occur in the Town of Greenwich. Strong organizational, communication and advocacy skills are necessary to support and advocate for victims from the time of arrest through disposition of each case.
  • Maintain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the criminal court process including arraignments, protective orders, domestic violence diversionary programs, etc. is required.
  • Candidate will be responsible for maintaining and building strong working relationships with courthouse personnel and other outside service providers including Family Relations Counselors, Judges, Prosecutors, Probation Officers, lawyers, law enforcement, Department of Children and Families, etc.
  • Along with the FVVA supervisor, maintain an active roster of YWCA court volunteers and will be responsible for training and onboarding new court volunteers, coordinating court coverage, and providing ongoing support of court volunteers.
  • Provide intervention services to victims of domestic violence including responding to 24/7 hotline and Lethality Assessment line, conducting safety and needs assessments, crisis counseling, safety planning and victim advocacy.
  • Maintain connection with and knowledge of relevant community resources and services available for referrals for victims of domestic violence.
  • This position reports to the FVVA Supervisor.

Hours of work: 20 hours per week

Classification: Part-time non-exempt

MINIMUM EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS

• • Bachelor’s degree in social service field (social work, marriage and family therapy, creative arts therapy, etc.) or in the criminal justice field
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience working within the social services or criminal justice field (within the field of gender-based violence preferred)
  • Bilingual in Spanish preferred
  • Ability to communicate detailed information in a professional public setting
  • Skilled at relationship-building within an oppositional setting
  • Experience working with individuals impacted by trauma
  • Strong organizational, communication, training and writing skills
  • Comfortable working independently and off-site, as well as part of a collaborative team
  • General computer and office skills
  • Candidate will maintain CT State Certification in Domestic Violence and sexual violence training/education through in-house training course.
  • Personal qualities should include integrity, credibility and commitment to the organization’s mission

YWCA HISTORY AND KEY FACTS

Around the globe, YWCA operates in 125 countries reaching 25 million women and girls through its work in 22,000 communities. It is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. In the United States, the YWCA, founded in 1855, has over 200 local associations that serve 2 million members. Since its beginning, the YWCA has been a major force in this country’s struggles for freedom, justice, and equality.

YWCA Greenwich’s mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through leadership, innovative programs, services, and educational opportunities, YWCA Greenwich is a driving force for a healthier, safer, and more equitable community.

Today, YWCA Greenwich offers over 100 age-specific programs, events and services in a facility that features a fully equipped fitness center, pool, gymnasium, childhood education center, dance and yoga studio, tennis courts, domestic abuse center, art gallery, café, water playground, Kompan structures playground, sand play area, meeting rooms and staff offices.

The key programmatic areas are: Domestic Abuse Services, Aquatics, Childhood Education programs, Fitness memberships, Health & Recreation Programs, and the Center for Equity and Justice. More specifically:

• YWCA Greenwich provides comprehensive direct services to victims of domestic violence through 24-hour hotlines, crisis intervention, counseling, court advocacy, and emergency sheltering. Recently we have added a Civil Legal Clinic and Financial Literacy Coaching to our array of free services to victims of domestic violence. In addition, the YWCA Greenwich provides prevention education through extensive training of key members of the community and age-appropriate domestic abuse prevention programs through the Greenwich Public Schools.
• YWCA Greenwich has a nationally recognized swim team. The Dolphins, now in its 50th season with well over 200 swimmers, can point with pride to their fourth consecutive USA Swimming recognition as a “Silver Medal” Club, placing the team in the top 4% nationally.
• YWCA Greenwich boasts a diverse top-rated international preschool center, with children from a variety of racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds representing not only the United States but also 25 other countries around the world.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

YWCA Greenwich commits to provide equal employment to all qualified persons solely on the basis of job-related skills, ability, and merit, without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, genetics, physical or mental disability or handicap, or any other protected class status. YWCA Greenwich will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship, and provide a workplace free from sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

Black, Indigenous, Latinx, AAPI and LGBQ+ persons are encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan

Schedule:

• • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person