Opportunities-Advocate20210504

Status:	Full time, 40 hours per week
Reports To:	Executive Director

General Description:
The Statewide Victim Advocate is responsible for providing crisis intervention, advocacy, empowerment and accompaniment services as well as physical and emotional support for Deaf victims of crimes in Wisconsin. This position carries client confidentiality privilege and will maintain confidentiality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides core advocacy services to clients needing domestic violence/sexual assault services; supports victims in all phases of service continuum; advocates for and accompany client to community programs and services.
Provides information on victimization, crime prevention, victims’ legal rights and protections and the criminal justice process.
Helps victims with safety planning, find shelter and transportation.
Helps victims with victim compensation applications.
Provides referrals for other services for victims.
Notifies victims of inmates’ release or escape.
Handles immediate access to the victim's needs.
Provides referrals and follow-up services.
Participates in outreach efforts in the Deaf community.
Provides technical assistance to mainstream DV/SA agencies (how to obtain interpreters, how to contact Deaf Unity, etc.).
Assists Executive Director with monthly collection of data and statistical reports.
Covers hotline duties as assigned.
Stay abreast of current, developing and evolving models of and literature on service delivery and core advocacy practices.
Participates in other projects assigned by the Executive Director.

Competencies:

Confidentiality, Integrity, Ethics & Trust: Maintains confidentiality and earns others’ trust and respect through consistent honesty and professionalism in all interactions. Ability to conduct oneself with appropriate and expected professional boundaries and policies.
Adaptability & Flexibility: Adapts to changing organizational needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
Self-Motivation, Initiative & Creative Thinking: Takes action without prompting and develops fresh ideas that provide solutions to all types of workplace challenges. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Commitment to Quality Service: Builds and maintains client/community satisfaction with the services offered by the organization. Sharing a commitment to Deaf Unity’s mission to achieve health equity and improve the safety and well-being of Deaf people and community in Wisconsin.
Valuing Diversity: Helps to create an environment that embraces and appreciates diversity.
Stress Tolerance & Self Composed: Maintains composure in highly stressful or adverse situations. Ability to recognize when self-care is necessary.
Problem Solving Attitude: Approaches situations and challenges in a solution based proactive and effective manner. Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, valid decisions that are in the best interest of clients and Deaf Unity.
Respectfulness & Relationship Building: Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect. Demonstrates exceptional communication and listening skills with the ability to empathize and develop support strategy approaches.
Professionalism & Personal Boundaries: Conducts oneself within appropriate and expected professional boundaries and policies.

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

Four-year degree in social work or a related field preferred, though relevant experience is considered in lieu of a degree.
At least three years of experience working with Deaf trauma victims.
At least two years of experience providing advocacy or education work with Deaf people.
Experience in crisis intervention.
Experience facilitating groups and activities with Deaf victims.
Experience developing and maintaining strong community partnerships.
Understanding of the impact of domestic/family violence.
Knowledge of different types of violence in the Deaf community.
Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

Preferred Skills and Competencies:

Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google applications and databases.
Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Working Conditions:

Must have a valid driver’s license to travel to, but not limited to, client locations, training, meetings,
Some after-hour work for company functions to include networking/community events.

To Apply:

A current resume
A one-page cover letter
A one-page, double-spaced essay describing your understanding of advocacy
A one-page, double-spaced essay describing your knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Deaf youth community
Three (3) professional references (full name, title, email and phone number)

Email the application packet to director@deafunitywi.org. Applications will be reviewed and this position will be open until filled.

For a PDF version, please click or tap on Statewide Victim Adovcate position description

Deaf Unity is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Statewide Victim Advocate

Position Description