Bilingual Teen Advocate

Summary

The bilingual teen advocate is primarily responsible for providing advocacy, crisis intervention and short-term ongoing advocacy services as needed to Spanish speaking youth (ages 13-17) victims, their non-offending family members as desired. Bilingual teen advocates may be the first point of contact for Spanish speaking victims of sexual assault. The focus of teen advocacy support is to help reduce trauma for youth while informing them of their rights and options. The advocate helps youth identify and access services the youth may need, acting as a liaison with other agencies and service providers and supporting them throughout the investigative process as needed. This position requires regular participation in an on-call rotation for 24-hour response. In accordance with the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act of 2019, this position will respond to youth in community settings such as hospitals or law enforcement agencies, as well as working from an office setting. This position will be required to respond in-person and virtually, dependent upon client needs and preferences. This position is a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect under District of Columbia Statute §4-1321.02 when not acting within the defined role that provides an exemption to this mandate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.  

• Ability to speak and write fluently in both English and Spanish
• Provide advocacy support primarily to Spanish speaking teens (and family as desired) during the initial medical and/or law enforcement response to sexual assault. Assist teens/youth in identifying options available to them. 
• Provide crisis intervention and advocacy support to 13 – 17-year-old clients (and their family members as desired) as needed.
• Meet with teens/youth to assess initial needs and interest in social service, medical care, and victims’ compensation needs; connect them with services as needed.
• Provide information to the teen/youth regarding trauma and the impact of trauma.
• Provide information to teen/youth about available support and service resources, victims’ rights and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) investigation process.
• Coordinate as appropriate with other involved service providers or government agencies, in accordance with the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act of 2019.
• Provide accompaniment to teens and/or their families as needed for purposes related to victimization, including hospital visits and law enforcement interviews. 
• Troubleshoot barriers to accessing services with teens and community service agencies. 
• Assist the teen/youth in accessing services and provide immediate and ongoing follow-up as needed.
• Arrange emergency clothing, transportation, or other material/informational resources for clients.
• Perform a safety assessment of the teen and/or family and develop and recommend a safety plan for the teen victim and family in cases when appropriate.
• Participate in regular individual supervision, staff meetings, in service training and other meetings as required.
• Maintain and assure quality and confidentiality of electronic and paper files, statistical tracking, and inventory.
• Assist in maintenance of material needs such as gift cards, clothing bags, snacks, or other emergency items.
• Must have a driver’s license and ability to drive to meet clients in the community.
• Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Client Service - Manages difficult or emotional situations; Responds promptly to client; Solicits feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling or a related field, or bachelor’s degree with at least two years of professional experience. LGSW or equivalent licensure in the District of Columbia required, if eligible. Two (2) years of professional experience, knowledge and understanding working with children, youth and families who have experienced abuse and trauma, and/or general mental health practice. Experience working with the criminal justice or child welfare systems. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to maximize results and ensure deadlines are met. Ability to be a self-starter, to work independently and be flexible and adjust to quickly changing schedule, handle distractions and interruptions. Willingness to establish and maintain positive working relationships while collaborating with a wide range of professionals including law enforcement, social services, medical and mental health providers. Knowledge of cultural humility and ability to exhibit sensitivity in dealing with people of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. Excellent communication skills, positive attitude and professional demeanor and attitude. Knowledge of local community resources and programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Formal training and/or certification as victim advocate or crisis counselor. 

Computer/Technology Skills

High level of comfort with technology and proficiency with MS Office applications and the internet.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to touch or feel a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, Smart Phone, and talk or hear when interacting with employees. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may regularly lift and /or move 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Safe Shores is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.