Crisis Intervention Specialist - Oakland

Family Violence Law Center (FVLC) is working to end domestic violence in Alameda County. Our holistic approach integrates comprehensive protection and prevention services for abuse survivors with efforts to address and change barriers for survivors within the legal, health, education, and criminal justice systems. As one of California’s oldest agencies serving abuse victims, FVLC is recognized as a leader in the community in delivering exceptional services and advocating for long-term social change for victims.

POSITION: Crisis Intervention Specialist - Oakland

OVERVIEW: Under the supervision of the Family Violence Intervention Unit Coordinator, the Crisis Intervention Specialist (CIS) works with survivors of domestic violence to provide emotional support, assistance navigating the criminal justice and civil legal systems, and linkages to other social services, as necessary. The CIS works as part of the Family Violence Intervention Unit (FVIU) case management team. FVIU includes crisis services, mobile response, and advocacy work. These services seek to support and stabilize survivors, assisting them in assessing safety and seeking to bolster survivors’ freedom to move forward in their lives. In addition, the CIS will participate in community outreach and trainings as needed.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: A successful Crisis Intervention Specialist is someone who is sensitive to the emotions and experiences of others. You are able to have patience and empathy in moments of crisis or panic. You are able to identify the unique strengths in others and help them cultivate their talents, and therefore their successes. The Crisis Intervention Specialist enjoys a challenge, is able to analyze a situation, reflect on the necessary actions, and seek out often unconventional solutions. You enjoy working as part of a team, with enthusiasm, empathy, and a passion for working collaboratively to empower others.

RESPONSIBILITES:

Crisis Intervention & Support

The CIS will make contact with at least 40 survivors monthly, identified primarily from domestic violence police reports, to offer support and assistance in a timely manner. Crisis Intervention includes but is not limited to:

• Providing immediate intervention and safety planning for survivors and their families
• Linking clients directly to other FVLC services, as needed.
• Providing advocacy within the criminal justice and civil legal systems, working closely with police investigators and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Providing court accompaniment and referrals to other social and legal services, as appropriate.
• Participating in case review team meetings and contributing to collective decisions about enrollment, case plans, and termination of the case management relationship.
• Meeting regularly with clients to assist them in identifying goals and strengths, and empowering them to take steps towards achieving them.

Empowerment-Based Case Management

The CIS will maintain a caseload of up to 5 survivors, who meet criteria for longer case management services. Case Management includes, but is not limited to:

• Participating in case review team meetings and contributing to collective decisions about enrollment, case plans, and termination of the case management relationship.
• Meeting regularly with clients to assist them in identifying goals and strengths, and empowering them to take steps towards achieving them.

Law Enforcement, Education, and Collaboration

• The CIS works collectively with law enforcement to address survivors needs.
• The CIS participates in regular trainings and community education presentations to (and with) police officers and other community-based organizations on the dynamics of domestic violence, types of restraining orders and legal protections, and FVLC services.
• The CIS works to build, enhance and sustain a collaborative relationship with specified community partners.
• Continuously assess community needs and provide a proactive response (i.e. training, tabling, group facilitation, etc.) determined in collaboration with the FVIU Coordinator.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in regular case conferences with supervisor and/or FVIU team.
• Attend and actively participate in regularly scheduled team meetings.
• Maintain data on client contacts, case information, program assessment and officer training needs.
• Contribute to the growth and development of the FVIU team and FVLC, through participating in data collection aimed at better understanding client needs and improving the program in response to those needs.

This position is not limited to the duties described above. Duties and responsibilities may be changed, expanded, reduced, or deleted to meet the business needs of FVLC.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or a related field OR at least two years related experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred, but candidates that are bilingual in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Tagalog are also encouraged to apply.
• Basic understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence.
• Ability to relate well with people from diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Valid California driver’s license and insured vehicle.
• Criminal background check (provided upon hire).
• CA Domestic Violence Counselor Certification (can be provided upon hire).

PREFERED QUALITIES:

• Previous experience with crisis intervention, domestic violence and/or sexual assault-related services.
• Previous experience working with police departments, and/or understanding of the criminal justice system.
• Demonstrated presentation skills and comfort speaking in front of groups.
• Familiarity with social service agencies in Alameda County.
• Interest in women’s and domestic violence issues.

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt, full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

COMPENSATION: Starting at $36.41 - $38.46 per hour, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending account, generous vacation plan.

NON-DISCRIMINATION: Family Violence Law Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. No aspect of employment will be influenced in any matter by race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression (including individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or non-gender conforming), physical disability (including HIV or AIDS), medical condition, perceived physical disability or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by statute. Applicants belonging to any, or more than one, of these groups are urged to apply. FVLC maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all applicable laws.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to walk; sit; drive; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee may be occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Consistent with our obligations under state and federal laws, reasonable accommodations will made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions except when such accommodation would cause Family Violence Law Center an undue hardship

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment may include settings of the court room, community places, and/or office environments. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Consistent with our obligations under state and federal laws, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions except when such accommodation would cause Family Violence Law Center an undue hardship.

Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, and generous vacation plan.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred, but candidates that are bilingual in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Tagalog are also encouraged to apply.