Job Description

Working under the supervision of the Housing Coordinator and the Director of Outreach and Professional Development, the Community-Based Services Advocate serves as a point of contact for survivors of intimate partner violence. Vital functions of the position including outreach, case management, crisis intervention, housing assistance, psychoeducation and safety planning.

While many position responsibilities are outlined below, it is understood that additional duties may be assigned by the COO or CEO.

Case Management Job Functions:

(1) Assists clients with benefit applications for insurance, food stamps, housing vouchers, etc. (2) Provides psychoeducation related to victimization; (3) Assists clients with applications for victim compensation and address confidentiality; (4) Refer and register clients to VINE, as applicable; (5) Completes comprehensive case notes for each client including status of formalized goals and objectives; (6) Provides direct referrals for victims to internal and external resources including but not limited to legal, safe house shelter and counseling services; (7) Maintains appropriate boundaries with clients; (8) Maintains confidentiality per COMAR and agency guidelines. (9) Responds to crisis clients' walk-ins and appointments both in-person and virtually; (10) Conducts danger and/or lethality assessments; (11) Facilitates/co-facilitate survivor's psychoeducational and support groups; (12) Assists clients in completing comprehensive safety plans;

Housing/Rapid Re-housing Duties:

(1)Determines eligibility for individuals seeking assistance through the Safe Homes program; (2) Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate residents of their rights and responsibilities as tenants & fair housing rights; (3) Engages with inspection process for units to ensure compliance with funder standards; (4) Works with Coordinator to track expenditures and collect/report on program data; (5) Advocates with other agencies, property owners, and housing providers on behalf of residents; (6) Meet consistently with clients in the Safe Homes program to work on stability and independent living goals.

Additional Duties:

(1) Speaks with community groups and organizations to educate others around the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault while ensuring awareness of the services of the YWCA and how to access them; (2) Engage and form enhanced partnerships for collaboration and referral with other service providers and professionals working with survivors; (3) Assists Coordinator with volunteer organization, including but not limited to orientation & information sessions. (4) Completes documentation and funder reporting requirements, as required; (5) Attends regular supervision, team meetings, and additional agency meetings & trainings as requested; (6) Assists with the collection of client surveys.

Requirements:

(1) Minimum requirement: BS/BA in social work, psychology or counseling related field. (2) 1-2 years of experience with non-profit programs, crisis intervention and/or trauma informed care highly preferred. (3) Case management experience, training specific to victim's services, grant research and writing skills, and experience with program development (writing curriculum, understanding metrics, establishing outcomes, and program evaluation), preferred.