Outreach Advocate
Waterville, ME, USA
Job Type
Full Time
Workspace
Work is performed in a general office environment where the noise level is low. Work is occasionally stressful and requires the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and successfully cope with the pressures which are related to the position. Some evening and weekend hours are required.
About the Role
Family Violence Project (FVP) seeks an advocate to provide direct services to those affected by domestic abuse in Northern Kennebec County. The Outreach Advocate will provide operational support to the Waterville Outreach Office, including overseeing the office and addressing any technological and/or maintenance needs. The person in this position will provide advocacy services in relation to the office and facilitate a weekly support group for adult victims/survivors. They will also attend the local district court on days that protection order hearings are scheduled, providing advocacy, information, and support services to those in attendance who are affected by domestic abuse; the advocate may attend other courts and/or court proceedings based on victim/survivor need and advocate availability. The Outreach Advocate will network with area services providers to establish connections and gain/maintain knowledge of resources to better assist those with whom they are working. Maintaining current and accurate records is an integral part of this position, as is the reporting of data as required by the agency and its funders.
This is a full-time, 32-hour per week non-exempt position with a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm schedule; each day includes a half hour unpaid lunch break. The schedule will include occasional on-call responsibilities in relation to the agency’s 24-hour helpline and may include some evenings and weekends. This position will be based out of FVP’s Waterville Outreach Office and will include travel, as needed, throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties for court advocacy, collaborative community meetings, agency meetings, etc. Excellent benefits are provided for the employee, including free health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Vision, dental and supplemental insurances, as well as health insurance for dependents, are available at cost. Benefits also include paid time off (beginning with three weeks of accrued time per year), fourteen paid holidays each year, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match. The starting pay range for this position is $37,024 annually ($22.25 per hour) to $44,428 annually ($26.70 per hour), based on experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provides operational support to their assigned outreach office, including overseeing and addressing technological and maintenance needs.
2. Provides advocacy services in relation to their assigned Outreach Office.
3. Attends the District Court local to their assigned Outreach Office on days that protection order hearings are scheduled, providing advocacy, information, and support services to those in attendance who are affected by domestic abuse, attending other courts and/or court proceedings as necessary based on client need and advocate availability.
4. Facilitates support group(s) for adult survivors.
5. Networks with service providers to establish connections and gain/maintain knowledge of resources.
6. Maintains current and accurate records, reporting data as required by the agency and its funders.
7. Participates in agency, interagency, and/or community meetings as required, serving on committees and groups as necessary and/or appropriate.
8. Participates in education and training sessions at the agency and in the community.
9. Provides First Call and Staff Back-Up coverage to the helpline.
10. Performs other tasks and projects as assigned.
General Expectations:
1. Be committed to the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
2. Interacts harmoniously and effectively with others, focusing upon the attainment of agency goals and objectives through a commitment to teamwork.
3. Provides the highest level of client and internal customer service possible.
4. Follows established policies and procedures and complies with all safety requirements.
5. Communicates in an open, respectful, and honest manner with everyone.
6. Communicates proactively with their supervisor regarding workflow, problems, suggestions, etc.
7. Conforms to acceptable attendance/punctuality standards as expressed in the Employee Handbook.
8. Performs the required amount of work in a timely fashion with a minimum of errors.
9. Maintains personal appearance and hygiene as appropriate to the position.
10. Adheres strictly to confidentiality of client, coworker, and internal agency information.
Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit (including prolonged sitting), talk, and listen. The employee is also required to operate a
computer using a standard keyboard and mouse; use a fax machine, printer, scanner, and copier; and communicate using a telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
The successful candidate will possess knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community. This person will also have knowledge of the housing barriers encountered by those experiencing homelessness, and available resources. Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution are necessary. Time management skills are a must, as is the ability to prioritize work demands to meet client needs and emergencies. Experience in and/or knowledge of the civil, family, and criminal court systems is preferred, as is experience with group facilitation. The successful candidate will interact harmoniously with others, communicating respectfully and effectively through excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills. The person in this position must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle emergencies in a calm manner, and de-escalate situations. Computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office, are necessary.
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for this position. Applicants must undergo fingerprinting upon hire and pass state and federal criminal history checks, as well as checks done through sex offender registries, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in human services, social work, or a related field is preferred for this position but is not required; those with relevant skills and work / life experience are encouraged to apply. All new employees are required to participate in a thorough orientation process which includes successful completion of Family Violence Project’s Crisis Advocacy, Intervention, Response and Ethics Training for New Advocates.
Experience and Skill Requirements:
Knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community.
Experience in and/or knowledge of the civil, family, and criminal court systems.
Experience with group facilitation.
Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution.
Ability to handle emergencies in a calm manner and de-escalate situations.
Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
Ability to communicate effectively through excellent listening, oral and written skills.
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office and other computer technology as required by the position.
Education Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in human services, social work or related field at an accredited institution is preferred.
Successful completion of CAIRET (Crisis Advocacy, Intervention, Response and Ethics Training for New Advocates) is required prior to or upon entering this position.
About the Organization
Family Violence Project (FVP) is working to end domestic violence in Kennebec and Somerset counties in Maine. We believe it will take the whole community to accomplish our mission. This includes a strong and committed workforce. If you are seeking a challenging position in a critical field of advocacy and social justice, please consider the open position. FVP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position will remain open until it is filled. Provide resume and personalized cover letter to:
Search Committee, Outreach Advocate
PO Box 304, Augusta, ME 04332-0304 or jmooney@familyviolenceproject.org