Helpline Advocate

Position: Helpline Advocate

Supervisor: Director of Client Care> Executive Director

Pay level: Starting $16/Hr

VAV Mission: Voices Against Violence envisions a community free from gender and sexual violence. Our mission is to empower individuals who have experienced violence. We achieve our vision and mission through the following objectives: safety, healing, empowerment, dignity & worth, advocacy, education, self-determination, and human relationships.

Requirements: Educational, professional, and/or lived experience required. Preferred experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Must work well with persons of varied sexual preference, racial, ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic backgrounds and individuals who are differently abled.  Must have knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Must undergo a background check. Must complete forty hours of domestic violence training, twenty of which must be completed before client contact, and ongoing training is required on an annual basis.

Job Description: Helpline Advocate is responsible for managing help lines and coordinating proper care and safety measures to clients. 

Responsibilities:

• Adhere to VAV mission, vision, goals, policies and procedures

• Maintain confidentiality of clients and shelter locations at all times

• Attend mandatory meetings

• Document all services provided to clients within 24 hours

• Keep the facilities clean and organized

• Complete other duties as assigned

• Maintain all documents and spreadsheets pertaining to clients and shelter stay to ensure effective communication with VAV staff

• Communicate clearly and effectively with staff to ensure client safety and satisfaction

Client Safety & Coordination 

• Provide referrals to relevant resources which may include employment, employment preparation, housing, state services, counseling, group counseling, childcare, medical care, dental care, optical care, clothing or household assistance, and other resources

• Manage crisis calls and create safety plans in the moment to ensure client safety as needed

• Coordinate with staff to assist walk in clients as needed

• Coordinate with VAV staff to communicate client requests or complaints

• Manage the crisis line, text line, and email to ensure all requests have been followed up on and all inquiries have been responded to

• Collaborate with VAV staff to ensure clients have proper support in working their case plans.

• Respond to client contacts and attend to immediate client needs as available

• Advocating on behalf of clients with local agencies and other service providers

• Educate clients about domestic violence, life skills, communication skills, and build other skills as needed 

If interested please send a cover letter and resume to Noemi Juarez: noemi@vavmv.org