Summary

This is a contract position. The contract teen advocate is responsible for providing 24-hour advocacy, crisis intervention and short-term case management services to youth (ages 13-17) victims and their non-offending family members as desired. Contract advocates may be the first point of contact for victims of sexual assault. The focus of teen advocacy support is to help reduce trauma for youth while informing them of their rights and options. The contract advocate helps youth identify and access services the youth may need, acting as a liaison with other agencies and service providers and supporting them throughout the investigative process as needed. In accordance with the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act of 2019, this position will respond to youth in community settings such as hospitals or law enforcement agencies, as well as working from an office setting. This position will be required to respond in-person and virtually, dependent upon client needs and preferences. This position requires participation in an on-call rotation for after-hours, holiday and weekend support. This position is a mandated reporter for child abuse and neglect under District of Columbia Statute §4-1321.02 and when not acting within a role that would provide an exemption to this mandate.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.   

• Respond to Safe Shores’ youth/teen advocacy calls after regular business hours, and on occasion during business hours on weekdays, and at any time on holidays and weekends during agreed upon coverage dates. Must be available to respond timely to calls and to the site within one hour of receiving the call. 
• Coordinate to ensure there is optimal communication regarding each advocacy referral. 
• Provide advocacy support to teens (and family as desired) during the initial medical and/or law enforcement response to sexual assault.  Assist teens/youth in identifying options available to them.  
• Provide crisis intervention and advocacy support to adolescent clients (and their family members as desired) as needed. 
• Meet with teens/youth to assess initial needs and interest in social service and victim’s compensation needs, connect them with services as needed.
• Provide information to the teen/youth regarding trauma and the impact of trauma and about available support and service resources, victim rights and the multidisciplinary team (MDT) investigation process.
• Provide brief written summary of advocacy outcome and facilitate connection to ongoing advocate.
• Consultant shall report to the Family Advocacy Services Manager, or to such other person as the Family Advocacy Services Director may designate
• Consultant will participate in advocacy team meetings in person or remotely minimally on a quarterly basis
• Consultant is required to be available for consultation regarding cases that he/she served within 48 hours of advocacy support
• Consultant shall complete and submit a W-9 form to Safe Shores.  By completing this form, consultant acknowledges that s/he will be responsible for paying requisite taxes on earnings.
• Must have a driver’s license and ability to drive to meet clients in the community.
• Ability to successfully pass Child Protection Registry clearance and criminal background check. 

Candidates must submit the following information to be considered for the position:

Cover letter 

Resume

List of three professional references (for each include: name, current title, address, phone number and email)

Equal Opportunity Employer

Safe Shores is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data.

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Client Service - Manages difficult or emotional situations; Responds promptly to client; Solicits feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities. 

Education and Experience Master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling or a related field, or bachelor’s degree with at least two years of professional experience.  LGSW or equivalent licensure in the District of Columbia required, if eligible. Two (2) years of professional experience, knowledge and understanding working with children, youth and families who have experienced abuse and trauma, and/or general mental health practice. Experience working with the criminal justice or child welfare systems.  Ability to organize and prioritize tasks to maximize results and ensure deadlines are met. Ability to be a self-starter, to work independently and be flexible and adjust to quickly changing schedule, handle distractions and interruptions. Willingness to establish and maintain positive working relationships while collaborating with a wide range of professionals including law enforcement, social services, medical and mental health providers.  Knowledge of cultural humility and ability to exhibit sensitivity in dealing with people of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.  Excellent communication skills, positive attitude and professional demeanor and attitude.  Knowledge of local community resources and programs. 

Preferred Qualifications Formal training and/or certification as victim advocate or crisis counselor.  Oral and written Spanish fluency preferred.

Computer/Technology Skills High level of comfort with technology and proficiency with MS Office applications and the internet.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to touch or feel a computer, keyboard, monitor, telephone, Smart Phone, and talk or hear when interacting with employees. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee may regularly lift and /or move 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.   The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  No or very limited exposure to physical risk.