Areas of Responsibility

This position requires work assignments and responsibilities such as, but not limited to:

Direct Services

·         Provide client intake and assessment, including sheltering women, men and families in accordance with agency protocols

·         Assist clients in developing individualized safety plans including: plans for leaving, for staying and for long-range planning

·         Assist parents in developing safety plans which include their children

·         Provide individual domestic violence counseling and advocacy

·         Provide coverage to 24-hour domestic violence hotline

·         Serve as a member of the 24-hour hotline back-up rotation

·         Provide clients with information and referral to community services and resources

·         Advocate with outside systems regarding clients’ needs

·         Facilitate support/education groups

·         Other services as deemed necessary

·         Provide written educational information to adult clients about domestic violence, its effects on victims, as well as its effects on children

·         Provide to adult clients a state and local listing of available resources

·         Provide information regarding state victim compensation resources

General

·         Maintain accurate service records and submit all required statistics in accordance with agency due dates

·         Attend and participate in regular meetings called by MWC, CCADV and other meetings as scheduled, including training programs developed for Advocates

·         Must uphold privileged communication of clients and all responsibilities of mandatory reporting

·         Provide peer coverage to critical tasks such as court-based family violence victim advocacy as needed

·         Maintain vacant shelter rooms for immediate occupancy

·         Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

·         Bachelor's Degree or eight years (8) years experience in related field.  A combination of an Associate’s Degree plus four (4) years of experience will be considered.

·         Comprehensive working knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence.

·         Commitment to working with domestic violence victims and their children to develop a plan for their safety and preserve their right to self-determination.

·         Effective oral and written communication skills

·         Ability to gather, consolidate and present client information through interviews

·         Knowledge of community resources

·         Ability to work effectively with both traditional and non-traditional systems

·         Ability to maintain service records, complete accurate statistical and narrative reports and submit in accordance with due dates

·         Must obtain and maintain certification as battered women’s counselor, as per CGS 52-146k

Schedule

40 hours per week, primarily Monday-Friday 12am-8am.  This position will require some flexible hours to meet the needs of the organization.

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Special Requirements

This position requires periodic travel.  A valid driver’s license and current certificate of insurance is required for personnel who may travel in their scope of service to Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis.  Criminal, Department of Children and Families and Department of Motor Vehicles background checks are required for all staff to confirm suitability for employment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Stand/Sit – Stationary Position
  Must be able to remain in a stationary position for approximately 50% of the time.

• Walk/Move/Traverse
  Occasionally moves about inside the office and residential buildings to access file cabinets, office equipment, and other areas.

• Use of Hands/Fingers – Operate/Inspect/Position
  Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a telephone, printer, copier, and calculator.

• Climb or Balance – Ascend/Descend/Traverse
  Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders, including daily stair use and occasional ladder use to service lights or ceiling fans.

• Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl – Position Self/Move
  Frequently required to stoop or kneel to maintain files, work with small children, or complete related tasks.

• Talk/Hear – Communicate/Exchange Information
  Must be able to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information with clients, staff, and others.

• See – Observe/Assess/Inspect
  Must have the ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet).

• Carry/Lift – Move/Transport/Position
  Frequently moves boxes weighing up to 20 pounds between offices and residential buildings. May also assist with event setup and takedown.

• Work Environment – Indoor/Outdoor Conditions
  The role involves exposure to both indoor and outdoor environments, including variable weather conditions.