The direct service advocate assists with screening, intake, assessment, crisis intervention and safety planning for victim of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking (DV/SA/ST). The DSA coordinates community resources and performs duties in coordination with a Case Manager.

AWAIC currently has the following openings:

Advocate: Thursday-Monday 3:30pm-12:30am
Advocate: Saturday-Wednesday 3:30pm -12:30am 
Advocate: Tuesday- Saturday 3:30pm -12:30am 
Children's Advocate: Tuesday - Saturday - The schedule is Tuesday to Friday 10:30am -7:30pm and Saturday 7:30am -4:30pm

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 victim/s of DV/SA/ST.
• Provide short term follow up advocacy and support to participant/s in coordination with the Case Manager.
• Increase victims' safety and individual safety planning.
• Educate program participants about the civil and criminal justice system including form/s 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, 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.
• Demonstrate the ability communicate directly and respectfully.  Engage in and role model direct conflict resolution and mediation.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate directly and respectfully.
• Consistent and dependable attendance.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Duties relevant to specific programs:

Women's 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 participant’s case plan and case team.
• Evaluate women’s specific needs and provide recommendations for case plan.