Position Description Title: Direct Service Advocate II
Supervised by: Shelter Manager
Salary: Non-Exempt
Position Summary: The Direct Service Advocate II works directly in shelter, assisting with screening, intake, assessment, crisis intervention and safety planning for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking (DV/SA/ST). The DSA coordinates community resources and performs duties in coordination with a Case Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates degree from an accredited institution or two (2) years of experience working in social services and/or with at-risk individuals or in customer service
• Must possess a valid State of Alaska Driver’s License

Preferences:

• Experience overseeing safety of clients, creating an empowering and supportive environment and assisting with solutions in a social services program.
• Excellent written and verbal communications required, including basic computer skills utilizing AWAIC systems and programs.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and be flexible in a fast-paced teamwork environment with integrity, compassion, and the skill to handle sensitive issues in a confidential manner.

Program Implementation:

• Adhere to all AWAIC Policies and Procedures and remain current on updates and changes.
• Maintain accurate participant records including statistical information and summary of contacts according to AWAIC, Inc. Confidentiality Policy, AWAIC, Inc. Program Policies and Procedures, and grant requirements.
• Complete all statistical tracking within established timelines.
• Facilitate education and support groups for participants and children

Direct Services:

• Provide consistent, exceptional service to all AWAIC program participants.
• Provide crisis intervention, individual support, and information about internal and external resources to victims of DV/SA/ST.
• Provide short-term follow up advocacy and support to participants in coordination with the Case Manager.
• Increase victims' safety and individual safety planning.
• Educate program participants about the civil and criminal justice system including forms completion and support/coordinate with the Anchorage Police Department (APD), the Municipality of Anchorage Department of Law (MOA/LAW), the Violent Crimes Compensation Board (VCCB) and other related agencies as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of program participants with community agencies to establish rapport and cooperation.
• Develop and maintain a trusting, empowering relationship with the program participant that supports the program participant’s goal plan.
• Be proactive and a leader in situations that require effective de-escalation of crisis situations.

Training and Outreach:

• Conduct presentations and training to community organizations regarding AWAIC, Inc. services and DV/SA/ST as directed by the Program Services Manager.
• Represent AWAIC, Inc. at various community meetings as directed.
• Attend and contribute in all required staff meetings and actively participate in the training of new staff, volunteers, and interns. Provide supervisory support to volunteers and interns as directed.

Other:

• Remain updated on current information in the field of domestic violence through research, workshops, and training opportunities.
• Attend and contribute in all required staff meetings and actively participate in the training of new staff and volunteers.
• Acknowledge diversity reflected in the AWAIC program population and in the community at large and demonstrate a commitment to cultural competency.
• Adhere to and take a leadership role in AWAIC, Inc.’s model of ethical communication to include addressing conflict and establishing boundaries.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate directly and respectfully. Engage in and role model direct conflict resolution and mediation.
• Consistent and dependable attendance.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Duties relevant to specific programs:

Adult Program

• Develop, maintain, and facilitate educational and support group curriculum for AWAIC education and support groups.
• Develop, maintain, and facilitate psycho-educational group curriculum for parenting groups.
• Assist in maintaining current documentation for participant files and referral programs, assist in the timely completion of participant intakes, and take an active role in the support of the participants’ case plans and case team meetings.
• Evaluate participants’ specific needs and provide recommendations for case plans.

Children's Program

• Develop, maintain, and facilitate psycho-educational group curriculum for child victims of domestic violence.
• Develop, maintain, and facilitate psycho-educational group curriculum for parenting groups.
• Evaluate child-specific needs and provide recommendations for case plans.
• Facilitate children’s outings.
• Develop and maintain budget for outings and program-specific supplies.
• Provide childcare for parents’ breaks and meetings.
• Maintain children’s program files.
• Create monthly statistical reports.

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Occasional stooping or kneeling
• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a stationary location

Mental Demand:

• Critical thinking in crisis situations
• Problem solving
• Handling topics related to abuse and drug addiction
• Emotionally sensitive situations and subjects

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the nature of business demands change so, too, may the essential functions of this position.