SAFEPLAN Part Time Floater Advocate

HOURS:

Part-time (17.5 hours/week; 2, 7-hour days, 1, 3.5-hour day. 3.5-hour day is Wednesday afternoon. 7-hour days TBD)

POSITION SUMMARY

SAFEPLAN (Safety Assistance for Every Person Leaving Abuse Now) Advocates provide comprehensive, direct services to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking who come to court seeking information and protection from abuse through the civil 209A Abuse Prevention and 258E Harassment Prevention Order laws. Advocates incorporate the practices of Independence House’s core values which include respect, integrity, teamwork, and professionalism.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Senior SAFEPLAN Advocate, the SAFEPLAN Advocate’s responsibilities are to:

·         Explain legal rights and options and the processes involved in obtaining, maintaining, modifying and terminating MGL c.209A Protection Orders and MGL c.258E Harassment Prevention Orders;

·         Assist victims in completing court required 209A and 258E forms;

·         Accompany and advocate for victims in court during 209A and 258E proceedings;

·         Develop, in partnership with victims of DV, SA and stalking, personalized safety plans;

·         Make referrals to and work collaboratively with IH, court personnel, the DA’s Office, and other allied criminal justice and social service agencies, services and programs;

·         Coordinate, through warm referrals when possible, appropriate follow-up services including but not limited to counseling, group support, police interviews, victim assistance and victim compensation;

·         Make reminder calls to clients to provide upcoming court hearing information and support;

·         Report suspected and reported incidents of abuse to the DCF, Elder Services and DPPC;

·         Educate victims about the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking;

·         Employ the Empowerment Model when informing victims of their rights and options;

·         Exercise empathetic and active listening skills;

·         Maintain professional boundaries with victims receiving SAFEPLAN services;

·         Never publicly denounce or discredit other professional individuals or institutions;

·         Appear for work in professional, courtroom appropriate attire;

·         Establish and advance professional, collaborative working relationships with court personnel and others, including but not limited to clerks, judges, prosecutors, security officers, victim witness advocates and attorneys;

·         Complete and submit all data and record-keeping documentation in a timely, and accurate manner;

·         Adhere to the SAFEPLAN and Independence House confidentiality policies;

·         Work in accordance with the SAFEPLAN Policies and Procedures Manual and the Independence House Handbook;

·         Participate in and successfully complete the Independence House Pre-Service Training;

·         Participate in and successfully complete the MOVA SAFEPLAN Certification Training;

·         Participate in Independence House staff meetings, in-services, and supervision;

·         Attend MOVA quarterly regional meetings and bi-annual continuing education sessions and other meetings and trainings relevant to the position;

·         Perform any other IH or SAFEPLAN-related tasks requested by the Senior SAFEPLAN Advocate.

QUALIFICATIONS

·         Knowledge of dynamics of domestic violence and legal issues affecting victims of sexual and domestic violence;

·         Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred (may be waived for comparable work or life experience);

·         Sensitivity to diversity issues;

·         Capacity to establish professional and collaborative working relationships;

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills;

·         Computer literacy;

·         Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation.